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AG Hunter: Opioid abuse in Oklahoma an ‘epidemic’

TULSA — Wednesday, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter unveiled a plan to create an Oklahoma Commission on Opioid Abuse.

He was joined by Sen. AJ Griffin (R-Guthrie) and Rep. Tim Downing (R-Purcell), authors of Senate Concurrent Resolution 12, which would create the commission.

It calls for a nine-member commission, which will include the Attorney General as Chair, plus:

  • A licensed practicing medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy (appointed by the Governor).
  • A pharmacist licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy (appointed by the Governor).
  • A member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (appointed by the House Speaker).
  • A dentist licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry (appointed by the House Speaker).
  • A member of the Oklahoma State Senate (appointed by the Senate Pro Tem).
  • A registered nurse licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (appointed by the Senate Pro Tem).

In a statement sent to KRMG, General Hunter said “Oklahoma is currently in the midst of an opioid abuse epidemic that is reaching a crisis level. Over the last three years there have been 2,684 reported opioid related deaths in the state.

“This commission will chart a path forward by looking at every avenue to save lives.”

The Senate Joint Resolution authored by Griffin and Downing says the commission will "study, evaluate, and make recommendations for any changes to state policy, rules, or statutes to better combat opioid abuse in Oklahoma."

Proposed legislation is expected to be presented to Gov. Fallin and legislative leaders by December 1st.

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