AHA Supports Legislation to Address Opioid Abuse Epidemic

Apr 26, 2016 - 10:11 AM

The House Energy and Commerce Committee tomorrow will mark-up various legislation addressing the opioid abuse epidemic. As hospitals see firsthand the effects of the opioid abuse epidemic on patients, families and communities, the AHA today sent a letter to Representatives Fred Upton and Frank Pallone, the committee’s chairman and ranking member, urging approval of the:

  • Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act of 2016
  • Co-Prescribing to Reduce Overdoses Act of 2015
  • Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act of 2015
  • Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act
  • Reducing Unused Medications Act
  • Opioid Review Modernization Act

Hospitals’ experience shows that a multi-stakeholder, multifaceted approach is needed to truly stop this epidemic.  The legislation being considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee is a step forward in tackling this issue.  More information on AHA’s efforts to help hospitals address opioid abuse is available at aha.org. 

 

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