Nebraska Statutes 71-2487. Legislative findings
The Legislature finds that:
Terms Used In Nebraska Statutes 71-2487
- State: when applied to different states of the United States shall be construed to extend to and include the District of Columbia and the several territories organized by Congress. See Nebraska Statutes 49-801
- United States: shall include territories, outlying possessions, and the District of Columbia. See Nebraska Statutes 49-801
(1) There is an opioid epidemic occurring in the United States, and Nebraska has been impacted;
(2) The opioid epidemic in Nebraska is a serious public health crisis stemming from the rapid increase in the use of prescription and nonprescription opioid drugs;
(3) Many states are recovering funds for the management of opioid addiction within their borders;
(4) Coordination surrounding and managing opioid addiction and related disorders is critical to the health and safety of all Nebraskans;
(5) Funding for prevention and treatment of opioid addiction and related disorders, including those that are co-occurring with other mental health and substance use disorders, is needed in Nebraska;
(6) Law enforcement agencies in the State of Nebraska are dealing with the effects of the opioid epidemic daily and are in need of resources for training, education, and interdiction;
(7) There is a need to enhance the network of professionals who provide treatment for opioid addiction and related disorders, including co-occurring mental health disorders and other co-occurring substance use disorders;
(8) There is a need for education of medical professionals, including training on proper prescription practices and best practices for tapering patients off of prescribed opioids for medical use;
(9) Incarcerated individuals in the Nebraska correctional system and other vulnerable populations with opioid use disorder need access to resources that will help address addiction; and
(10) The health and safety of all Nebraskans will be improved by opioid remediation in the State of Nebraska.