Police chiefs from across the state and one District Attorney offered mostly unequivocal support for the bill. The legislation has drawn criticism for its provisions that would give hospitals new power to force treatment for up to 72 hours on substance abusers who pose a danger to themselves or others and would put new restrictions on first-time Opioid prescriptions.

But, flanking Baker at a State House news conference, the officials made clear by their presence and their words that Baker and his bill have the backing of an influential group.

Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan said it’s up to everyone across Massachusetts to address the Opioid Abuse scourge, and it starts with doctors and dentists using safe prescribing practices.

“The governor’s bill really addresses that at the grassroots: If you don’t need an opioid, don’t Prescribe it,” Sullivan said. “If you do prescribe it, prescribe it for three days. And if you need to do it for more than that, take a look, make sure it’s justified.”

Massachusetts doctors and dentists have bristled at the idea that the state knows their patients’ needs better than they do, and organizations representing both offered sharp opposition when the governor released his plan last week.

Sullivan acknowledged it’s a “tough thing” to tell prescribers what they can or can’t do, “but this is all about the protection of our youth and our citizens so that that pill doesn’t start a heroin addiction that results in death.”

Read the entire  Boston Globe article here.