Prosecutors Support Governor’s Proposals to Attack the Drug Epidemic
(INDIANAPOLIS – November 8, 2017) Indiana prosecutors expressed support today for Governor Eric Holcomb’s 2018 NextLevel agenda as he outlined proposals to attack the drug epidemic.
The governor’s criminal code proposals include:
- Establishment of felony charges for drug-induced homicide and for those who illicitly manufacture drugs that result in drug-induced death.
- Requiring physicians to check the state’s prescription drug monitoring program, INSPECT, before issuing first prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines.
- Improve reporting of drug overdose deaths.
- Increase the number of FSSA-approved opioid treatment locations.
- Initiating a state referral process that links patients directly to available inpatient and residential treatment.
“Prosecutors welcome these proposals,” said Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, Inc. President Patricia Baldwin, Hendricks County prosecutor. “The opioid crisis needs this type of multi-faceted approach that includes gives crime-fighting tools to prosecutors and law enforcement, monitors drug use and provides treatment. Working together is the only way to effectively fight against this societal menace.”