Despite intensive efforts by lawmakers, health care providers, the criminal justice system and other stakeholders, Arizona appears to be losing the battle to stem the rising number of opioid overdose deaths.
Read More »Recent series of political plights plague governor
The bad news started when a pedestrian was struck and killed by a self-driving Uber SUV in Tempe. Some blame was directed at Gov. Doug Ducey for welcoming the technology company to test autonomous vehicles in Arizona with little-to-no oversight.
Read More »The Breakdown, Episode 4: Moving on – or trying to
The special legislative session on opioids is over, and now, it's time to move on. But that can be easier said than done.
Read More »Legislature passes opioids package
State lawmakers voted late Thursday to adopt changes in laws on opioids despite what some said are flaws and concerns by others that the plan won't do much of anything to deal with the drug abuse epidemic.
Read More »Governor’s opioid epidemic playbook is one to follow
Earlier this week, Gov. Doug Ducey stood before a remarkable assembly of lawmakers from the majority and minority caucuses and stakeholders from corrections, faith communities, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and all points in between as he called a special session to address the opioid addiction crisis in Arizona.
Read More »Physicians are committed to ending the opioid epidemic
As the largest organization in our state representing the interests of all physicians, the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) – through physician leadership serving as subject matter experts, clinicians, and patient advocates – has been an engaged participant in stakeholder meetings regarding the opioid abuse epidemic since our community began working to address it.
Read More »The Breakdown, Episode 3: The special session clock is ticking
The governor will convene the special session on the state's opioid crisis today, and he wants to see legislation approved by Friday.
Read More »Ducey will convene special session to confront opioid crisis
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will call for a special session on Monday to push a spate of changes to prescription and treatment laws in an effort to confront the opioid crisis engulfing the state.
Read More »Chiropractors use opioid crisis to bolster request for Medicaid coverage 
Arizona chiropractors will push for the state’s Medicaid program to cover chiropractic care in the next legislative session, the industry’s lobbyist said. And the extension of Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System coverage to chiropractors ties into efforts to combat the opioid crisis, the Arizona Association for Chiropractic claims.
Read More »Opioids crisis real, solution in initial stages, panel says 
A task force Gov. Doug Ducey created to take aim at the opioid crisis has a lot more work to do than the initial list of proposed laws and policies it released earlier this year, a panel that included doctors said today.
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