APA Applauds Opioid Package: Expands MAT, Residential Treatment
While the legislation expands treatment options for substance use disorder, a measure that would have improved information sharing about a patient’s substance use treatment was not included.
A bill passed last month by Congress takes important steps toward combating the opioid crisis with a broad range of treatment and prevention programs, APA said in a statement.
“Opioid use disorder has taken a heavy toll on the health and well-being of Americans,” said APA President Altha Stewart, M.D. “APA is grateful to see bipartisan support for increased access to treatment for substance use disorders [SUD], including expanded access to residential treatment and medication-assisted treatment.”
Passing the Senate 98-1, the opioid legislation—The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (HR 6)—combines 70 separate bills from Republicans and Democrats into one package. As of press time, the legislation was awaiting President’s Trump signature.
Author: Linda M. Richmond
Source: https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org