RE:
Bill 4497 Opioid Petitioner Notification Several months ago, one of our Family Healing Ministry members asked for support in passing an important bill. Many of you signed "
Bill 4497" which requested a petitioner of section 35 (involuntary commitment for substance abuse) be notified upon any type of release from a state run or privately own facility. This bill was aimed to protect both the petitioner and the individual under section 35 and allowed for safe discharge planning.
We are happy to report that this bill has passed and is now law (effective 4/4/2018)! Thank you Josh S. Cutler, David Soper and Thomas Berry who led this initiative and to all of you who supported their tireless efforts on the implementation of this bill. We especially thank Tom for his courage to help others all the while greaving the loss of his own son, Stephen who died in April 2017. This bill may spare many families the pain of losing their loved one by accidental overdose by increaseing their chances for safe discharge from involuntary committment while they wait for an available step down program. Please keep Tom's son, Stephen, and all families who are affected and/or afflicted by addiction in your prayers.