(Richmond, VA) -- New state laws are designed to help those battling sickle cell disease. Richard Stelling explains.Preview: Voicer Script:
Four laws that took effect yesterday include one allowing doctors and pharmacists to prescribe and distribute opioids. Wally Smith is a sickle cell doctor at VCU, and he says opioids can help patients manage their pain. Another law establishes a state database of sickle cell cases, and Smith says that could help researchers get more funding. Lawmakers also approved a bill making screening for sickle cell disease available for all adults in Virginia, and the fourth law requires the state to review medication and treatment every year. Dr. Smith tells CBS 6 these laws will tell us how many people have sickle cell disease, how they treat it and how long they live.