Episode #98 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Senator Melissa Melendez and Juli Shamesh on Tyler's Law - Fentanyl TestingEpisode #98 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Senator Melissa Melendez and Juli Shamesh on Tyler's Law - Fentanyl Testing
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Tyler's Law, SB 864 is a California Law signed by Governor Newson in September 2022 that would require all hospitals to include fentanyl whenever a urine drug screen is ordered in a hospital setting. Most people who learn about the bill ask, "isn't that already happening?" Surprisingly, no. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that does not show up on routine hospital opiate screens. To detect fentanyl hospitals, need to purchase a specific fentanyl reagent that averages 75 cents a test. Watch Fox News Story on SB 864 Melissa Melendez was elected to represent California’s 28th Senate District in May 2020 Melissa Melendez represented California’s 67th Assembly District from 2012 to May 2020. She is a veteran of the United States Navy where she became fluent in Russian and one of the first women approved to fly aboard an EP-3 reconnaissance aircraft overseas. She served her country for ten years in the Navy, during the Cold War, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After leaving the Navy, Melissa started her own small business providing transcription services to high-level Pentagon officials. She was elected to serve on the Lake Elsinore City Council in 2008 where she also served as Mayor. Melissa has her Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Studies and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. She lives in Lake Elsinore with her husband Nico, also a Navy veteran, and their five children. Juli Shamash is mother of Tyler who died of fentanyl after a negative drug screen at an emergency department. After Tyler's death Juli established the Drug Awareness Foundation to provide education and advocacy on drug deaths.
54:12•7 Nov 2022
Tyler's Law: A Crucial Step in Combating Fentanyl Addiction
“We've made history here with the first state in The United States to have fentanyl testing as mandatory whenever a drug screen is ordered.”
Imagine a law that could save countless lives by making fentanyl detection a routine part of hospital drug screens. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Senator Melissa Melendez and advocate Julie Seamus to discuss the groundbreaking Tyler's Law, SB 864. This California legislation, signed by Governor Newsom, mandates that hospitals include fentanyl in urine drug screens—a measure that surprisingly wasn't already in place.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, often slips through standard opiate tests, making this law a game-changer in the fight against the opioid crisis. Senator Melendez shares the story behind the bill, from its inception to the legislative hurdles it overcame. She also emphasizes the bipartisan support crucial for passing such impactful legislation. Julie Seamus adds her perspective on advocacy and the collaborative efforts needed to bring about meaningful change.
This episode not only sheds light on the importance of Tyler's Law but also underscores the ongoing battle against addiction and the necessity for continued vigilance and cooperation. Tune in to understand how this law is paving the way for better detection and prevention of fentanyl-related overdoses.
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