[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6574334,"mediaKeyId","3086698-9a4ddf3c58ccdac00c5dbcd1f222c4b3","parentId",3086698,"title","Committee backs bill requiring opioid risk discussions with patients; Health and AG offer amendments","audioSeconds",4595,"startMs",12695000,"endMs",17290000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3086698-9a4ddf3c58ccdac00c5dbcd1f222c4b3&start=12695&end=17290","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3086698-9a4ddf3c58ccdac00c5dbcd1f222c4b3/thumbnail_12695000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6574334/Committee-backs-bill-requiring-opioid-risk-discussions-with-patients-Health-and-AG-offer-amendments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574334-cc952663e57a26820112c384f0c6e2fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178315&Signature=At01IcpjEWNsa0Hb2kNtfouMtF9m8Fn0F~3QxvmwuEbQfHG~R~cuapL7CubQD1MEdvdA1AJcRk4KEbfJz8fIsegTKL2B0tyAJlYfH-BgdYFRGz8Bi7Psrqmydy2PVK6Z32-kgKK2d4hPsmBpEZ2KhElp6O1LSCytm-056B4mGr-n3Th5EJsCLXxDGfsQIktKvarkuYezWtZbbl8yJJc8MruQWRUKryt11SzrOrVrZUForp0cseksIuPcI1~T97mKP7TXf01GJkY1mGotxduA9WKqWd9PNCxc8-sxErJ9D4mjAcYI6YKlwhX6zx245NTJ53AfegF1X39lsgvw-Eb3hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-04-22T21:50:11.607Z","article","The Senate Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services voted April 22 to give a favorable recommendation to bill 36‑0021, a measure that would require practitioners to discuss specific risks and alternatives with patients when prescribing opioids.

The bill, introduced by Senator Marvin A. Bridal, would require clinicians to discuss the prescription’s necessity, non‑opioid alternatives, and the risks of opioid use — including addiction, dependence and fatal respiratory depression when opioids are misused or combined with other depressants — before an initial schedule‑II opioid prescription and again before a third prescription during a course of treatment. Practitioners would document that the discussion took place in the medical record.

Troy A. Deshabert Schuster, AARP State Director for the Virgin Islands, told the committee AARP supports the measure and urged one amendment: \"Include caregivers in the required opioid risk notification process,\" noting that caregivers often manage medications for older adults and help prevent misuse.

Assistant Commissioner Nicole Cragwell Sims testified for the Department of Health and said the department strongly supports the bill but recommended a change to the exemption language. The department suggested narrowing the hospice/palliative exemption so that the counseling requirement would not apply to patients receiving hospice or palliative care for a terminal illness, while removing broader exemptions for active cancer treatment, long‑term care residents and people in treatment for substance use disorder. Sims explained the department’s view that vulnerable patients should generally receive counseling and documented discussion about risks and alternatives. The department also proposed using an informed‑consent form similar to programs used in other states (for example Michigan’s Start Talking initiative).

Attorney General Gordon Ray told senators the measure is consistent with actions in other states and complements existing controlled‑substance laws. He cited Delaware, Florida and Connecticut as jurisdictions that require risk discussions or written agreements and noted the potential for a signed informed‑consent form to protect both patients and prescribers.

The committee held a recorded roll call after Senator Bridal moved the bill and Senator Milton Potter seconded. The committee vote was recorded as 6 yes, 0 no, 1 absent. The committee voted to forward the bill to Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and drafting of amendments.

Ending: Committee members said they would expect implementing guidance and coordination with the territory’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) and with EMS and behavioral‑health partners. The Department of Health said it will work with the committee on suggested language and on aligning required counseling with PDMP reporting and distribution of naloxone (Narcan) and other prevention measures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04-22-2025 | Committee on Health, Hospital and Human Services","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate health committee on April 22 recommended bill 36‑0021 — which would require practitioners to discuss opioid necessity, non‑opioid alternatives and overdose risks before an initial and before a third schedule‑II opioid prescription — and voted 6–0 (with one absence) to forward the bill for further drafting.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands","taxId",77876,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6574337,"VI Department of Health briefs senators on hand‑foot‑and‑mouth outbreak, measles risk and vaccination push",179,171000,350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3086698-9a4ddf3c58ccdac00c5dbcd1f222c4b3&start=171&end=350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3086698-9a4ddf3c58ccdac00c5dbcd1f222c4b3/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6574337/VI-Department-of-Health-briefs-senators-on-handfootandmouth-outbreak-measles-risk-and-vaccination-push","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574337-901d811c0f69ad670f61c9b48f115a23/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178315&Signature=QzFrTXbkCe8aS1A-XbozFg0LHCDJWukjMj4dwtKnSe0cuhx0w4WDiuCXpxYWvzXp8q8Ik7E-ohO3Mp38XNmGTu~xO4wekT1KJvHe8WbIeIfv8mIqkMg2QDJQzIfHWggWhMdq4yimeqWK6N6OwsbJ9ORrypk5j7OX2G8tnjTk-AMPWdlekny6ja0TrxXYbyB-O~34XQsSux8MNp5iSTTYpCZ2At~izAMZtcMjM~-kW~Lj1lI2ypswU4NHq2sjy029JScpq76WcNK5xsYP0wdBlgIX1m6IuP~ehNdO3y4NYuvKG72WHcygiIuVio3Jh8aw1qI2ft8dqZBPMiPkVKHteg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Houston Carnacian of the Virgin Islands Department of Health told the Senate committee on April 22 that the department has been working to control several contagious illnesses affecting the territory and to increase vaccine awareness.

Carnacian briefed senators about four priorities: hand‑foot‑and‑mouth disease (HFMD), measles, COVID‑19 and seasonal influenza, and described the department’s coordinated response that includes data surveillance, provider engagement and public messaging.

\"As of Friday, April 19, a total of 277 cases of hand‑foot‑and‑mouth disease have been reported,\" Carnacian said, adding that most were in the Saint Thomas–Saint John district. The department has focused on outreach to schools and daycares, providing on‑site infection control training and recommending enhanced hygiene and environmental cleaning rather than broad closures.

Deputy Territorial Epidemiologist Lisa Ekpo told the committee the first reported HFMD case was in Saint Thomas and that epidemiologists used that early signal to step up messaging in Saint Croix before more cases appeared there. \"We do know the first reported case was reported here in Saint Thomas, and we did all our usual follow ups with individual facilities, schools, etcetera,\" Ekpo said.

On measles, the department highlighted growing national activity and the possibility of importation. Carnacian noted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting and said the territory has no confirmed measles cases but must prepare: \"We are alarmed by the high rate of transmission. And while no cases have been reported in the territory, we feel it is a matter of when, not if,\" he said.

The department reported current measles (MMR) vaccine inventory in the territory as of its briefing: 486 doses at Department of Health clinics, 108 doses at local pharmacies and 48 doses at providers participating in the Vaccines for Children program. The department said it will add a designated measles page to its website within 24 hours of the briefing and is sending letters urging parents with previously approved vaccination exemptions to reconsider.

Officials stressed which groups are most vulnerable if measles arrives: young children, unvaccinated pregnant people and immunocompromised residents. Commissioner Carnacian told senators the department’s immunization program and maternal and child health division are coordinating clinic and outreach options; Assistant Commissioner Nicole Cragwell Sims and Chief Medical Officer Tay Hunt Caesar described planned community vaccine events.

Regarding COVID‑19 and long COVID, Chief Medical Officer Tay Hunt Caesar said the territory has shifted from pandemic to endemic management but maintains surveillance and long COVID reporting plans. \"The most important thing somebody should do is to continue to report those symptoms to their health care provider,\" he said, describing plans to improve surveillance and link patients to specialty care.

On influenza, officials said vaccine coverage is inconsistent and public complacency remains a challenge; the department continues seasonal vaccination promotion and surge planning with hospitals and clinics.

The department described a June territory‑wide wellness fair that will provide no‑cost preventive services and vaccines for adults and children; tentative dates cited were the first week of June in St. Croix and the second week in St. Thomas–St. John, with locations still being confirmed. Officials also said they have placed the Division of Public Health Preparedness on alert and briefed the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Council on measles risk.

Senators pressed the department about school and daycare coordination, Carnival‑season outreach and capacity to deliver vaccines. Ekpo said the epidemiology team has visited classrooms and daycares to give direct infection‑control feedback. The department confirmed secure drug‑drop boxes (for different public health work) and other outreach avenues, and said public service announcements will run on radio and at ports.

The department repeatedly urged vaccination: Carnacian stressed the MMR vaccine’s role in preventing outbreaks and encouraged parents and adults who are not up to date to get vaccinated.

The committee did not take legislative action on the health‑department briefing; senators asked for follow‑up data such as MMR inventory updates and further details on the June wellness fair.

Ending: The Department of Health left the committee with a request to continue rapid messaging and boots‑on‑the‑ground support for schools and daycares as Carnival events begin; officials said they will continue to post weekly surveillance updates to the USVI epidemiology dashboard and to work with healthcare partners on vaccination availability.","Commissioner Houston Carnacian told the Legislature’s health committee on April 22 that the Virgin Islands Department of Health has recorded 277 hand‑foot‑and‑mouth disease cases territory‑wide as of April 19, is stepping up measles preparedness despite no confirmed cases in the territory, and is promoting vaccines and hygiene to limit COVID‑19 and influenza impacts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6574329,"Senate committee forwards bill to establish ABLE savings accounts to help people with disabilities save without losing benefits",3608,13835000,17443000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3086698-9a4ddf3c58ccdac00c5dbcd1f222c4b3&start=13835&end=17443","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3086698-9a4ddf3c58ccdac00c5dbcd1f222c4b3/thumbnail_13835000.jpg","/articles/6574329/Senate-committee-forwards-bill-to-establish-ABLE-savings-accounts-to-help-people-with-disabilities-save-without-losing-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574329-611879a408db90dabfae5874aa5813c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178315&Signature=U-SdgSBbNjnxLgjLtuM3ZCmjDyOT739ZouLPEOYeA8jtZuN-v3s7163jdyI0lRZI7~bhWm9amV4oh~lasiEnJL3mB97SJf~6GUGa-818NN7E-AGh48eOzUyehbeDpf2g-oiaRCFbTm~F-N4aOD5h~ez46lPXrfk3hwZgbWWYTWhR0WbU8NxdkKIgqOoGXq73lcJDydlUKilK-PvXv7g4hPRzZJw2Tb4ETdqt0tXzKU8muIOyZlKugVztQJcfMngr0Nkfv7q9s9YcgZJEKV0iFX53BrbSlv0Y6KMlXGH78qABCed1StoFwLMYFGzRDASncpel5ACBd1uY-zlzWiMfYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate committee on April 22 voted to forward bill 36‑0035, a proposal to implement an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings program in the U.S. Virgin Islands that would allow eligible people with disabilities to accumulate tax‑advantaged savings for qualified disability expenses without automatically losing means‑tested benefits.

Senator Norville E. Francis Jr., the bill sponsor, said the ABLE Act \"is about equality and access\" and would allow people with disabilities and their families to save for housing, transportation, assistive technology and other qualified expenses without risking eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and other needs‑based programs.

AARP State Director Troy Schuster and other advocates testified in favor. Schuster said AARP supports the bill but recommended clarity and accountability provisions; he emphasized caregiver needs and stronger safeguards against financial abuse.

Christopher Finch, an advocate who spoke about a Virgin Islander (Janique Prince Morasco) who uses Virginia’s ABLE program, described how ABLE allowed her to buy mobility equipment and live independently in the mainland U.S. He urged passage so Virgin Islanders can access similar tools.

Brenda Carty, Director of Treasury in the Department of Finance, told senators the Department supports the policy but told the committee it does not currently have the internal staffing or technical infrastructure to run a specialized account‑management program without additional resources or external partners. Carty suggested the Office of the Lieutenant Governor or the banking and insurance regulator — in coordination with local financial institutions — may be better positioned to lead implementation or to manage a public‑private arrangement.

Julian E. Henley Sr., Territorial ADA Coordinator, and Angus Drago of the Disability Rights Center urged passage and suggested implementation best practices: broad education for account holders, third‑party fiduciary arrangements, clear privacy and training requirements for staff, and mechanisms to reflect a federal rule raising the age of disability onset for ABLE eligibility in 2026.

The committee recorded a favorable vote to forward the bill to Rules & Judiciary (vote recorded as 5 yes, 0 no, 1 absent, 1 not voting) and asked the sponsor and Finance to work with the lieutenant governor’s office, banking regulators and nonprofit stakeholders on an implementation plan. Senators and advocates stressed use of public‑private partnerships and the possibility of joining multi‑state ABLE program alliances to reduce administrative costs.

Ending: Committee members urged quick follow‑up research about models used in other states, recommended an RFP/competitive procurement approach for administration or third‑party fiduciary services, and asked the Department of Finance to return with a resource and staffing plan for implementation.","The Senate health committee voted April 22 to forward bill 36‑0035 to Rules & Judiciary. The bill would authorize a Virgin Islands ABLE program to let eligible individuals save tax‑advantaged funds for disability‑related expenses without jeopardizing means‑tested benefits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs bill requiring opioid risk discussions with patients; Health and AG offer amendments

VI Department of Health briefs senators on hand‑foot‑and‑mouth outbreak, measles risk and vaccination push

Senate committee forwards bill to establish ABLE savings accounts to help people with disabilities save without losing benefits