Senate approves bipartisan bill to address opioid epidemic

The Senate today voted 94-1 to approve the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (S. 524), bipartisan legislation to address the nation’s opioid epidemic. The bill would establish an interagency task force to develop best practices for pain management and medication prescribing, and authorize grants to states, local governments, nonprofit organizations and others to prevent and treat abuse of opioids, heroin and other substances. In a letter of support for the bill last week, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said, “Our members’ experiences in treating those affected by opioid use disorders have demonstrated that only a multifaceted approach that invests in education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation can end the public health crisis that threatens the health and lives of millions of Americans.” An amendment offered by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-NH) to add $600 million in emergency funding for the bill was defeated. The House has yet to schedule a hearing on companion legislation.