As the opioid crisis continues, the U.S. Department of Justice is protecting individuals discriminated against for their use of legally prescribed opioids. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects those using medications such as methadone and buprenorphine to fight opioid use disorder. As the law is clarified and discrimination decreases, more[Read More…]
Legislation & Public Policy
Casey’s Law updated after Kentucky appeals court issues opinion on civil rights question
An update to Casey’s Law reassures Kentucky families that their loved ones actively struggling with substance use will receive the treatment and care they need without losing their individual rights. The update strengthens the law’s language and provides a court ordered treatment to individuals who, beyond reasonable doubt, would benefit[Read More…]
Press Release: Portman, Whitehouse Urge DEA and HHS to Extend Americans’ Access to Telehealth Once the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is Terminated
Portman, Whitehouse Urge DEA and HHS to Extend Americans’ Access to Telehealth Once the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is Terminated Access to Telehealth will Allow Those Suffering from Substance Use Disorders Easier Access to Critical Medications WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today sent a letter to[Read More…]
Press Release: Guthrie Helps Introduce Bill to Support Substance Use Recovery Resources
Guthrie Helps Introduce Bill to Support Substance Use Recovery Resources WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), who is the Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, helped introduce the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act of 2022. This bipartisan bill reauthorizes a[Read More…]
Rep. Axne Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Youth Suicide Prevention Programs, Increase Access to Opioid Addiction Treatment
Mental health issues are plaguing the United States, leading to increased suicide rates and opioid-related substance use. Iowa Representative Cindy Axne has proposed reauthorizing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act which would approve an increase of over $10 million per year for preventative support for young adults and has already[Read More…]
DEA commits to expand access to MAT
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the pairing of medications and counseling, has expanded to help individuals struggling with opioid-related substance use disorder. With the goal of making MAT “readily and safely available,” the DEA, alongside HHS, is reaching out to pharmacists and practitioners to support this treatment. Read more here.
State leaders making efforts to help Kentucky fight opioid crisis
A bipartisan group of state leaders is working to incorporate Pew Research Center’s recommendations on how best to address the opioid crisis. Through these efforts, lawmakers are expanding access to addiction treatment and helping more Kentuckians live healthy and meaningful lives. Read more here.
Dalton’s Law to tighten sentences of fentanyl traffickers
In Kentucky, Fentanyl is largely responsible for the increase in drug overdoses last year. Perry County Rep. Chris Fugate says this opioid is too dangerous to not crack down on the dealers. Read more here.
Kentucky lawmakers take action to increase access to opioid recovery program
Recently, a measure passed by The Health and Family Services Committee accelerated services to Kentuckians who need court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). HB 127 incorporates access to “Tim’s Law”, a treatment program for mental health. Tim’s Law gives states the ability to put an individual’s safety first by allowing state[Read More…]
New Kentucky Transformational Employment Program Empowers Businesses to Play a Leading Role in Addressing Addiction Crisis
FRANKFORT, Ky. – As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address the Commonwealth’s addiction crisis and provide meaningful support to Kentuckians impacted by substance use, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, Kentuckiana Health Collaborative and Kentucky Opioid[Read More…]