Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3486

Introduced
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  

Caption

Resolutions urging the Congress of the United States to update the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 and remove excessive training requirements mandated for obtaining a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine

Impact

The bill is considered a necessary step to make lifesaving medications like buprenorphine more accessible to those facing opiate addiction. By urging Congress to amend existing laws, the resolution addresses the growing need for more effective responses to the opioid epidemic. Given the rising statistics of opioid addiction and related fatalities, proponents argue that easing these regulatory burdens will encourage more healthcare professionals to provide medically-assisted treatment and ultimately save lives.

Summary

House Bill H3486 is a resolution that urges the United States Congress to update the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000, specifically calling for the removal of excessive training requirements imposed on physicians wishing to prescribe buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a crucial medication in the treatment of opiate addiction, and its accessibility can significantly impact public health efforts to combat the opioid crisis. The bill highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers in obtaining the necessary qualifications to prescribe this medication due to stringent regulations that do not apply to other Schedule III drugs.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding H3486 is the balance between ensuring responsible prescribing practices and maintaining accessibility for patients in need of treatment. Critics may argue that modifying or removing training requirements could lead to inappropriate prescriptions or misuse of buprenorphine. However, supporters contend that the existing training requirements are excessively burdensome and act as a deterrent for doctors willing to treat patients with this effective medication.

Companion Bills

MA S2319

Similar To Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

MA H3016

Similar To Resolutions establishing the annual observance of COVID-19 Remembrance Day

Previously Filed As

MA H3827

Resolutions urging the Congress of the United States to update the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 and remove excessive training requirements mandated for obtaining a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine

MA HR109

Urging the Congress of the United States to make "Patriots' Day" a Federal holiday.

MA H3828

Resolutions memorializing the Congress of the United States to declare the city of Quincy as the most patriotic city in America

MA HJR0869

A RESOLUTION urging the United States Congress to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling for all meat.

MA H3287

To form a special commission to conduct an audit on all abandoned state properties and determine the feasibility of repurposing them into drug addiction treatment facilities

MA HR27

Urging the President and the Congress of the United States to reexamine United States foreign policy toward Ethiopia.

MA HR276

Urging the President of the United States to adhere to the Constitution of the United States and the War Powers Resolution by seeking and obtaining explicit authorization from Congress before engaging United States Armed Forces in any hostilities involving foreign nations.

MA HR48

A RESOLUTION urging the United States Congress to allow users of medical cannabis to own firearms.

MA HR42

Urging the Congress of the United States to pass legislation to exempt Puerto Rico and other noncontiguous states and territories from the Jones Act.

MA A4550

Requires health benefits coverage for buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone for pain treatment without step therapy or fail-first protocols.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.