On October 24, 2018 President Trump signed the historic Opioid Package (H.R. 6) into law. This past September and October, both the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed this final package, sending the most comprehensive piece of federal legislation ever crafted to address addiction to the President and signed into law on October 24, 2018.
10 key provisions in H.R. 6 - The SUPPORT Act:
STOP Act—to stop illegal drugs, including fentanyl, at the border
New non-addictive painkillers, research and fast-track
Blister packs for opioids, such as a 3- or 7- day supply
Extends support for Medicaid patients seeking treatment from 15 to 30 days, covering all substance use disorders
TREAT Act—permanently allows more medical professionals to treat people in recovery to prevent relapses and overdoses
Prevent “doctor-shopping” by improving state prescription drug monitoring programs
More behavioral and mental health providers
Support for comprehensive opioid recovery centers
Help for babies born in opioid withdrawal and for mothers with opioid use disorders
More early intervention with vulnerable children who have experienced trauma
We are thrilled that HR 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, has been signed into law by the President today. HR 6 will help millions of patients, families and communities impacted by addiction by expanding services across the full continuum of care - prevention, treatment, and recovery; as well as improving access to medication assisted treatment, ending patient brokering, and enhancing law enforcement efforts. This is a disease that has touched almost every American, and we are thankful that the President has signed this historic legislation into law.” - Jessica Hulsey, Founder and President Addiction Policy Forum
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