Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Walgreens Faces Jury In Opioid Case
AP: Walgreens Goes To Trial In Florida Lawsuit On Opioids
Most of the defendants in Florida’s lawsuit over the opioid epidemic have settled for more than $870 million, according to the state attorney general. One remains: Walgreens Co. is not giving up. A jury has been seated in Pasco County, Florida, just north of Tampa, to hear the state’s case against Walgreens, a huge drug store chain with more than 9,000 outlets on streetcorners throughout the country. Opening statements are set for early next week. The Deerfield, Illinois-based company says it will not settle. (Anderson, 4/5)
AP: US Drug Czar Testifies In WVa Lawsuit Against Opioid Makers
The new White House drug czar has testified that the opioid epidemic got so bad in drug-ravaged West Virginia that the state was having trouble finding foster parents to care for children. Dr. Rahul Gupta was one of the first witnesses whose video deposition was played at a bench trial Tuesday in which several pharmaceutical manufacturers are accused in a lawsuit of contributing to the crisis. (Raby, 4/5)
The Boston Globe: At Healey’s Opioid Funding Announcement, Quincy Opposition To Long Island Bridge Remains
It was supposed to be a victory lap of sorts for Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. And, to a certain extent, it was. But even at a Tuesday news conference where Healey, who is running for governor, highlighted $525 million in funds secured to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic, including $22 million for Boston, there were underlying points of division regarding the best approach to tackling the ongoing public health emergency, underscoring the political complexities of the problem. Specifically, among the local luminaries to accompany Healey on the Boston City Hall stage was Mayor Thomas P. Koch of Quincy — who, along with other officials from his city, has consistently and vehemently blocked Boston’s efforts to regain bridge access to Long Island, which once held the promise of being a key element in Boston’s approach to dealing with the crisis. (McDonald, 4/5)
AP: US: Discrimination Based On Opioid Treatment Violates Law
A deepening opioid epidemic is prompting the U.S. Department of Justice to warn about discrimination against those who are prescribed medication to treat their addictions. In guidelines published Tuesday, the department’s Civil Rights Division said employers, health care providers, law enforcement agencies that operate jails and others are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act if they discriminate against people for taking prescription drugs to treat opioid use disorder. (4/5)
Also —
Port Clinton News Herald: Ohio Could Soon Increase Penalties For Drug Dealing Near Treatment Sites
Ohio lawmakers are set to vote Wednesday afternoon on a bill that would toughen penalties for those who deal drugs near a site offering substance addiction treatment or to addicts undergoing treatment. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Huron, is similar to current Ohio law where felony levels are increased for drug trafficking near schools or juveniles. In many cases, a fourth-degree felony would become a third-degree one. The goal is to fight the ongoing opioid crisis and other addictions by targeting the supplier, especially those who prey on recovering addicts, Gavarone has said. (Wu, 4/6)
The Washington Post: D.C. Council Votes Down Bill Targeting Marijuana 'Gifting' Shops
The D.C. Council on Tuesday voted against imposing harsh penalties meant to put marijuana “gifting” shops out of business, with opponents of the bill saying they wanted more hearings on the issue. “Gifting” businesses have proliferated, with storefronts selling a product like a T-shirt or pencil that comes with a gift of marijuana — a practice that grew up in the District after recreational marijuana use and possession were legalized in 2014, while legal sales remain prohibited in the city by Congress. (Weil, 4/5)
