WASHINGTON, D.C. – West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito reintroduced legislation to help ensure that medical professionals have full knowledge of their patient's previous opiod addiction history.
The conversation comes nearly a year after 30-year-old Jessica Grubb, of Charleston, died when her doctor prescribed her 50 oxycodone pills.
Grubb had just undergone surgery for a running related injury and was training for a marathon.
Her discharging doctor did not know she was a recovering addict when they prescribed the pills, and Grubb was found dead the next day.
Sen. Capito said that too many West Virginians die each year from addiction. She hopes that introducing Jessie's Law will help doctors determine appropriate medical care.
"It's about making sure that we're doing everything, not just healthcare, treatment and recovery, but EMTs, public health and law enforcement all together,” said Sen. Capito.
Capito said that she, along with other senators, hope that Jessie’s Law can help make a difference.