U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., have re-introduced Jessie’s Law — legislation to help ensure medical professionals have full knowledge of their patient’s previous opioid addiction when consent is given.

The senators said this legislation will help prevent tragic events, like the death of Jessie Grubb, by enabling physicians and medical professionals to consider the patient’s addiction when determining appropriate medical care.

After battling addiction for seven years, Jessie was sober. She was making a life for herself in Michigan. She was training to run a marathon. 

She sustained a running-related injury and had to undergo surgery. Her parents, David and Kate Grubb, went to Michigan for her surgery and told her doctors and hospital personnel their daughter was a recovering addict. 

But after Jessie’s surgery, the discharging doctor, who said he didn’t know she was a recovering addict, sent her home with a prescription for 50 oxycodone pills. 

“After learning of Jessie’s passing, I promised her father that her death would not be in vain,” Manchin said. “Now a year later after her death, I am re-introducing ‘Jessie’s Law’ to make good on that promise and to do all that I can to prevent parents around our country from experiencing the grief that Jessie’s parents feel.”

Manchin called her death “100 percent preventable.” He said he will not give up until the law is passed. 

“Jessie’s story is truly heartbreaking,” Capito added. “As a mother and a grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain the Grubb family has experienced following the loss of their beloved daughter.”

She said West Virginians have lost too many loved ones to the scourge of addiction. 

“That’s why I am joining again with my Senate colleagues to reintroduce Jessie’s Law in the hopes that Jessie’s story can help save lives and make a difference as we continue fighting the drug epidemic.”

Jessie Grubb’s father, David Grubb, said the death of his daughter has been heartbreaking. He said she is missed every day. 

“We are working to ensure that something positive comes from this tragedy,” Grubb said. “In this regard, we firmly believe that this legislation is a crucial step in the right direction and will prevent needless deaths, like Jessie’s, in the future.”