The AHA Sept. 4 expressed support for the Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites Act (H.R. 5120), legislation that would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover costs when hospitals provide naloxone to patients at risk of an overdose at no cost to patients. “Hospitals are critical access points along the substance use disorder (SUD) care continuum and, therefore, must be well equipped to address key areas,” the AHA wrote. “Prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery are the generally accepted and nationally recognized areas of focus in the SUD care continuum. Patients who initiate SUD care during hospitalization are more likely to enter outpatient treatment, stay in treatment longer and have more substance-free days compared to those offered only a referral.” 

Related News Articles

Headline
The Senate Oct. 16 failed for a 10th time to advance the continuing resolution to extend government funding and end the ongoing shutdown. The chamber adjourned…
Chairperson's File
Public
There is a saying that is very timely for our field: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. As we head into the final months of 2025, hospitals and health…
Headline
The federal government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate adjourned Oct. 9 after failing to pass spending legislation; senators plan…
Headline
The AHA provided a statement of record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing Oct. 8 on the pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.…
Headline
The federal government shutdown will continue as the Senate Oct. 3 failed to adopt a government funding deal. The latest attempt to pass the House-passed…
Headline
The federal government shut down Oct. 1 following a failed Senate vote on the House-passed continuing resolution to fund the government by midnight Sept. 30.…