Video & Transcript Research : 'buprenorphine'
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KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyone who prescribes buprenorphine?
- buprenorphine for substance use disorder treatment is a cash cow.
- buprenorphine for substance use disorder treatment is a cash cow.
- buprenorphine for substance use disorder treatment is a cash cow.
- Buprenorphine operates in a gray area.
Keywords:
00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call
00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program
00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134
00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134
00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations
01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Health Services Committee met to receive an update from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Grant. He explained that all 50 states applied and were awarded funding, and Kentucky received about $212.9 million over five years, with the first year treated as a nine-month period. He emphasized that the award is a cooperative agreement with CMS, is not Medicaid funding, cannot be used to supplant existing funds, and is limited to the five areas approved in Kentucky’s application. He also said the state must submit a revised budget before major spending begins, and that CMS could claw back money if performance metrics are not met.
Secretary Stack outlined the five focus areas: maternal health, mental health, oral health, emergency medical services, and chronic disease prevention/management, especially obesity and diabetes. He described possible approaches such as expanding behavioral health crisis stabilization models like EMPath, using teledentistry and mobile services, strengthening EMS staffing and treat-in-place options, and building healthier nutrition and activity supports. He said the application was developed quickly with broad stakeholder input and that the state plans to work with universities, nonprofits, and other partners through procurement and other formal processes. He also noted the program will be overseen by the public health department, with Commissioner John Langfeld leading the effort.
Committee members asked about the grant timeline, the split between formula and competitive funding, the role of certificate of need, and whether new laws or regulations would be needed. Stack said the state believes it can implement the approved projects under current law, though some broader policy issues such as certificate of need were not included because they would be risky to change within the grant timeline. Members also asked how stakeholders can submit ideas; Stack pointed them to the public website and contact email, saying additional partner information will be posted soon. The committee did not take any formal vote or action during this discussion.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (10-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It took buprenorphine through Medicaid for me to finally close that chapter.
- <00:43:36.800>
in um starting patients on buprenorphine in um starting patients on buprenorphine - , who might want buprenorphine because of the way that this regulation is written.
- I do not work in addiction medicine. prescribing of buprenorphine and other prescribing of buprenorphine
- fact that we are accessing buprenorphine fact that we are accessing buprenorphine more<01:03:35.440
Summary:
The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards.
Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased.
Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:36 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Buprenorphine is the only FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder that both reduces Mortality
- of Health was unable to get buprenorphine from his typical pharmacy.
- There is no national shortage of buprenorphine, meaning manufacturing meets demand.
- Buprenorphine.
- Buprenorphine saves lives, but it cannot save lives if people cannot fill their prescriptions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Mar 5th, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Our pharmacists do not control how much buprenorphine they get into our pharmacy.
- Past shortages of buprenorphine, while they did exist, are no longer a current issue.
- I have been a critical care nurse practitioner for 25 years, and we often prescribe buprenorphine.
- But buprenorphine comes in sublingual, buccal, patch, tablets; there are so many different ways.
- So the agreement, unfortunately, included Buprenorphine, as well as other opioids.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:03:33.040>
Suboxone, along came buprenorphine and Suboxone, along came buprenorphine and Suboxone - Buprenorphine saved my life.
- Buprenorphine is indeed life-saving for those with OUD.
- Buprenorphine is indeed life-saving for those with OUD.
- Buprenorphine is indeed life-saving for those with OUD.
Keywords:
opioid use disorder, OUD, medication-assisted treatment, MAT, pharmacist prescribing, pharmacy practice, controlled substances, Schedule III, Schedule IV, Schedule V, DEA registration, Board of Pharmacy, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, buprenorphine, naltrexone, harm reduction, prescription authority, pharmacist intern, Minnesota pharmacy law
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to cut wait times for prescribed opioid addiction treatment drugs Apr 27th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
Summary:
House File 4493 would authorize pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, administer, and dispense certain drugs for opioid use disorder, especially buprenorphine/Suboxone. Representative Baker said the bill is intended to save lives by giving people immediate access to treatment at the moment they seek help, rather than making them wait for a doctor’s appointment or navigate more cumbersome methadone access. He emphasized that pharmacists are widely accessible, including in greater Minnesota, and that optional training would support safe prescribing.
Representative Bierman spoke in strong support, calling the measure a life-or-death step forward for people with substance use disorder and noting that many people do not receive treatment when they need it. He said he initially had concerns but Baker listened to his suggested changes and worked with him and bill drafters, which helped address those concerns. Bierman also referenced the ongoing fentanyl crisis and encouraged members to learn more from displays honoring overdose victims.
Baker closed by sharing personal remarks about losing his son to addiction and describing how limited treatment options were at that time. He said the new federal change allowing pharmacist training makes the bill timely and urged members to support it. After discussion, the House took a roll call vote and passed the bill 134-0, with the title agreed to.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- Buprenorphine and methadone reduce overdose deaths by more than half.
- And buprenorphine is most commonly known as Suboxone. Also Sublocade.
- There are injectable forms of buprenorphine now that are very effective.
- He said they are using a lot of long-acting buprenorphine formulations.
- EMS buprenorphine, as Dr.
Summary:
The task force meeting opened with new leadership announcements, including Senator Nick Schroer thanking outgoing chair Representative John Black and naming Representative Del Taylor as vice chair. After some initial technical difficulties with audio and Zoom, members reviewed the task force’s statutory charge under Missouri law: to hold hearings on substance use, explore solutions, draft or modify legislation, and produce recommendations for prevention and treatment. The chair said the goal for this year is to develop concrete legislative ideas for the next session, with hearings focused first on field experts and later on alternative therapies and the Department of Mental Health.
Dr. Rachel Winograd gave the first major presentation, describing Missouri’s overdose crisis as increasingly complex and driven primarily by fentanyl, now compounded by xylazine and metatomidine. She said overdose deaths have declined for a third straight year, with preliminary 2025 data around 1,200 deaths, and attributed the decline to a smaller fentanyl supply, wider naloxone availability, and fewer young people entering use. Her main recommendations were to focus on reducing harm rather than trying to eliminate drug use, expand evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder—especially methadone and buprenorphine—improve access to naloxone, and loosen methadone regulations, including take-home doses, the federal 72-hour rule, and broader methadone units. She also emphasized that peer support, housing, transportation, and other practical supports matter, and noted that naloxone can still reverse fentanyl overdoses even when tranquilizers are present.
Dr. Heidi Miller, the state medical director, followed with two recommendations: integrate substance use disorder care into whole-person health care and follow the science when considering substance-related legislation. She argued that primary care, maternal health, workforce training, EMS, public health, and methadone access should all be part of a coordinated model, and said reimbursement should support teams rather than isolated providers. She also urged stronger enforcement of parity between behavioral health/SUD and physical health coverage, and highlighted tobacco and alcohol as major, under-addressed causes of death in Missouri. Dr. Doug Burgess then reinforced the need for a coordinated continuum of care, comparing substance use treatment to the seamless system used for heart attacks, and said patients should have standardized assessment, discharge planning from day one, transition coordinators, peer recovery coaches, and better information-sharing between levels of care. Members asked questions about relapse, treatment court, EMS referral barriers, reimbursement, and whether buprenorphine can be started in the field; no votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue hearing testimony and use it to shape future policy recommendations.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 8th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I do have a question, though, about methadone versus buprenorphine.
- Buprenorphine is regulated somewhat differently in that.
- Buprenorphine can be offered across different facilities.
- or buprenorphine?
- That can mean methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, I will say.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
More drugs approved for opioid use disorder 2/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These medications, buprenorphine, methadone, and extended-release naltrexone, are a gold standard for
- End prior authorization for methadone and buprenorphine. Let doctors treat and let patients live.
- End prior authorization for methadone and buprenorphine. Let doctors treat and let patients live.
- End prior authorization for methadone and buprenorphine. Let doctors treat and let patients live.
- End prior authorization for methadone and buprenorphine. Let doctors treat and let patients live.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- Buprenorphine and methadone reduce overdose deaths by more than half.
- Buprenorphine is most commonly known as Suboxone. Also, Sublocade.
- There are injectable forms of buprenorphine now that are very effective.
- We're using a ton of these long-acting buprenorphine formulations.
- EMS buprenorphine, as Dr.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, he buprenorphine saved his life.
- <00:07:23.800>
to prescriptions for buprenorphine to prescriptions for buprenorphine to patients - , such, we are reliant on buprenorphine, such, we are reliant on buprenorphine, which<00:09:53.080
- start buprenorphine after an overdose. start buprenorphine after an overdose.
- We start we start buprenorphine?
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS-HRE Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Buprenorphine can help reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and is most effective as part of a system of
- Buprenorphine can help reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and is most effective as part of a system of
- <00:38:56.079>
Administration <00:38:56.760>warm buprenorphine Administration warm buprenorphine - The evidence base is clear that buprenorphine administered by stops withdrawal and craving for these
- Even if a third of these folks went on to buprenorphine, thank you very much. Chair: Thank you.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support.
The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse.
During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Buprenorphine is an opioid, but it's a partial opioid.
- Volkow has told us that if everyone who needs this medication, buprenorphine, could have access to it
- to treat opioid use buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder<00:41:46.720>
so <00:41:46.880> - Buprenorphine is still going to be a Schedule III drug.
- <00:46:21.520>
is <00:46:21.640>still this to happen buprenorphine is still this to
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785
00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785
00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61
00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61
00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788
00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14
01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685
01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language.
Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions.
Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine combating the opioid epidemic. Feb 26th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Aging (Special) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- our efforts, many of them still don't provide medication treatment for opioid use disorder with buprenorphine
- only about 1,200 clinicians in the country that treat over a third of the older adults receiving buprenorphine
- So much of our focus has been trying to get a new clinician to prescribe buprenorphine, but maybe we
- , but one patient, one elderly patient with buprenorphine.
- of those physicians and physician's assistants, nurse practitioners to treat more elderly with buprenorphine
Keywords:
opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion
Summary:
The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (10-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Buprenorphine is a gold standard treatment for opioid use disorder.
- Of course, buprenorphine also treats withdrawal in addition to long-term opioid use disorder, as well
- can help reduce injectable buprenorphine can help reduce implementation<01:31:22.080>
barriers <01:38:57.440>- Uh, of course, buprenorphine management.
for maintained on oral uh buprenorphine for maintained on oral uh buprenorphine
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:05
25 RS HB 534 - AN ACT relating to actions for forcible entry and detainer: 00:01:45
25 RS SB 111 - AN ACT relating to juvenile justice: 00:23:46
Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky: 01:13:26
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment in State and County Correctional Facilities: 01:25:28, 958, all
Summary:
The committee approved the September 18 minutes and then heard testimony on House Bill 534, which would automatically seal dismissed eviction filings and protect youth from public disclosure in forcible detainer cases. Rep. Susan Tyler Whitten and George Ecklan of the Coalition for the Homeless said the bill is aimed at reducing housing barriers for Kentuckians, especially those with dismissed cases, while preserving landlords’ rights to pursue rent, collections, damages, and other legal remedies. They said the proposal was developed with input from landlords, clerks, judges, AOC, and service providers, and noted that similar laws exist in other states. Several members, including Sen. Neimes, Rep. Deetsz, Rep. Cole Carney, and Sen. Thomas, expressed support while emphasizing that the bill is narrowly tailored to dismissed cases and should not affect legitimate landlord claims; Sen. Wheeler raised concerns about cases involving settlements or delays and whether future landlords should know about them. The sponsors responded that the bill only covers dismissed actions, that dismissals require a judge’s order, and that the goal is to remove barriers created by records that remain publicly visible even when a case is resolved.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 111 on juvenile justice. Commissioner Randy White, Kentucky Hospital Association President Nancy Galvanny, and Dr. Clark Lester of the University of Kentucky said the bill would require a secure state-run facility for youth with high-acuity mental health needs in detention and, until that is built, create a process with incentives for private hospitals to provide inpatient treatment with safeguards and increased compensation. They argued that detention is not an appropriate setting for severely mentally ill, violent youth and that private psychiatric hospitals often refuse these referrals or discharge them early. Dr. Lester cited recent referral data showing high denial rates for juvenile justice youth in private hospitals in August and September, often due to aggression, and described a case in which repeated placement attempts failed because of violent and self-harming behavior. The presenters said the bill is intended to fill a service gap and improve safety and outcomes for youth, staff, and hospitals, but no vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/23/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's long-acting buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a partial mu opioid agonist.
- So it's long-acting buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a partial mu opioid agonist.
- Buprenorphine. Is that right? I should know how to spell this. Yes. Buprenorphine.
- I'm I Buprenorphine. Is that right?
- Uh they don't administer buprenorphine.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- So when we talk about opioid use disorder treatment, I want to focus on buprenorphine, or the safest
- But for buprenorphine, for opioid use disorder treatment, three out of four people who want treatment
- Who am I to talk about buprenorphine treatment?
- pharmacists worked with addiction physicians in community pharmacies to start and maintain people on buprenorphine
- Within those patients had opioid use disorder and were treated with buprenorphine, 89 percent of the
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs.
Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (05/29/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Most counties saw an increase in the number of buprenorphine prescriptions between '23 and '24, with
- Most counties saw an increase in the number of buprenorphine prescriptions between '23 and '24, with
- Most counties saw an increase in the number of buprenorphine prescriptions between '23 and '24, with
- Most counties saw an increase in the number of buprenorphine prescriptions between '23 and '24, with
- 53.720>
decrease <01:24:54.440>in Most counties saw an increase in the number of buprenorphine
Summary:
The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published.
Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2.
Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- And these are things like methadone or buprenorphine.
- the additional substance use disorders, which covered the additional drugs that Eric mentioned: buprenorphine
- , the injectable buprenorphine, oral naltrexone, which is the oral Vivitrol, and then methadone.
- In 2021, we were included Sublocade, which is a long-acting injectable of buprenorphine.
- And note here, too, that most pregnant women can take buprenorphine safely, as well as methadone safely
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to continue its review of performance measurement in the criminal justice system. The first presentation, from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure, described how the court system uses multiple data sources to track filings, dispositions, clearance rates, workload, and support services, and how those data inform judge need, budget requests, resource allocation, and court administration. He also discussed ongoing efforts to improve case-level reporting, the use of case management systems in trial and appellate courts, and performance efforts in problem-solving courts and civil case management. McClure noted that the legislature provides dedicated funding for problem-solving courts and for medication-assisted treatment, and that the courts are required to report outcomes and monitor compliance with contract requirements.
Melanie Brown-Whor of the Florida Behavioral Health Association then reviewed the medication-assisted treatment program funded through the courts budget. She said the program combines medication with counseling and behavioral supports, serves people involved in or at risk of criminal justice involvement, and has expanded over time to include additional medications and more counties. She reported improved engagement and retention, with more than 10,000 people screened over five years, about 9,200 receiving medication, and over 6,600 successfully discharged. Senators asked about racial and ethnic demographics, hospital referrals, and how services are delivered; Brown-Whor explained that local community providers deliver treatment under contract and that the program is working to improve data reporting and consistency.
The Department of Law Enforcement then presented on investigations, forensics, and criminal justice information services. Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard outlined FDLE’s strategic plan and major investigative priorities, including cybercrime, targeted violence, crimes against children, mutual aid, and the SAFE fentanyl eradication program. He said SAFE has led to major seizures, arrests, and a reported decline in fentanyl deaths. Director Jason Bundy described FDLE’s forensic laboratory operations, DNA and rapid DNA capabilities, cold case and missing persons work, and the staffing and turnaround-time challenges tied to complex evidence testing. Director Lucy Saunders reviewed FDLE’s criminal history, biometric, incident-based crime reporting, and criminal justice transparency systems, noting that Florida is still transitioning agencies from summary reporting to incident-based reporting. The committee raised questions about Rapid DNA deployment, cold case coordination, and the slow pace of NIBRS/FIBRS adoption. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jun 26th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The medication in support of MOUD, of course, Suboxone is an induction for withdrawal, the buprenorphine
- oftentimes, we act as a force to stabilize folks, get that initial treatment, get that initial buprenorphine
- So if someone can't get buprenorphine or, you know, any of their medications that we're prescribing because
- dosing has been helpful for us in individuals that are established in daily dosing of Suboxone or buprenorphine
- It's buprenorphine. And so that's Witness: 48% of our population are released within 48 hours.