Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics House lawmakers November 19, backed a bill intended to make it easier for blocking suspicious opioid shipments. The measure comes amid concerns the opioid epidemic is continuing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a twin public health crisis brought on by stress and economic dislocation. Under existing federal law, drug manufacturers and distributors are required to only notify the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration when suspicious orders are discovered. The measure approved this week would now require manufacturers and distributors to take action to stop suspicious orders. They would also be required to keep records of the reports and notifications made to federal drug enforcement officials leading to their suspicions. The measure received bi-partisan support. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.