Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that will now require that death certificates in cases of opioid overdose specify which opioid was involved in the death, if known. This will make it easier to track the data and provide the most accurate information needed to better address the opioid crisis.
"Toxicology results take an inordinate amount of time to review," said Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. "This new law will help county coroners and medical examiners pin down the cause of death with more specificity than the general classification of ‘drug overdose.’"
The new law takes effect immediately.
