The Opioid Notification Bill has been Officially Signed into Law by Governor Albert Bryan, Jr.

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For the last two years, AARP - Virgin Islands has been working alongside local legislators to push through the Opioid Notification Bill No. 36-0021, and yesterday Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. signed this bill into law! Bill No. 36-0021 requires healthcare providers to disclose the risks associated with opioid use, helping patients make informed decisions. This bill complements prior legislative efforts supported by AARP, including the recent establishment of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) and the creation of the Opioid Abatement Fund. Together, these efforts advance the work of combating opioid misuse and protecting public health in our territory.

In April of 2025, State Director Troy A. De Chabert-Schuster testified before the Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services to contribute to the critical discussion about protecting a patient’s right to know about the risks associated with opioid misuse. This testimony was presented in support of Bill No. 36-0021, which requires a practitioner to discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids. As a former pharmacy owner, he gave intimate details of how he witnessed the devastating impacts of opioid misuse.

AARP-Virgin Islands thanks Senator Marvin Blyden for the sponsorship of this bill, in addition to co-sponsors Kurt A. Vialet, Sen. Avery L. Lewis and Sen. Ray Fonseca. AARP-Virgin Islands also thanks our members and USVI residents who have followed the movement of Bill No. 36-0021 and voiced their support to those responsible for the passage of this legislation.

“Th[is] new law represent[s] meaningful progress for the people of the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said. “These actions move us forward as a stronger, safer, and more accountable community.”