Evans bill to study overdose deaths becomes law

AUGUSTA – A bill to establish the Maine Accidental Drug Overdose Death Review Panel, sponsored by Rep. Richard Evans, M.D., D-Dover-Foxcroft, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills. The panel will study the circumstances leading up to accidental overdose deaths and use the information gained to prevent future deaths.

“I believe this panel will give us an important tool for lowering opioid overdose deaths,” said Evans. “If we can learn about the events that tend to lead toward overdoses, we can see whether there were opportunities to change the trajectory of lives.”

The bill, LD 1718, will set up a panel made up of experts from the fields of medicine, law enforcement and substance use treatment to study certain overdose deaths and make policy recommendations based on what they learn from the events that led up to those deaths. In 2020, Maine recorded its worst year for drug overdoses with 504 deaths. Since January of this year, these deaths continue to be on an upward trend.

“I am very grateful that this bill has been signed into law,” added Evans. “This panel has the potential to make a real difference in the battle against overdose deaths.”

Evans’ measure will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature’s special session adjourns.

Evans is a physician and surgeon and represents the communities of Atkinson, Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Lake View, Medford, Milo and Orneville Township in Piscataquis County. He serves on the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.