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Legislation authored by Reps. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) to improve and reform the treatment for opioid use disorder passed the House floor on Wednesday.
“Most of us know someone – a family member, friend, or neighbor – who has been impacted by this epidemic in some way. Unfortunately, opioid abuse and addiction are on the rise in Indiana and around the country. That’s why it’s so important we work together on a comprehensive solution to improve our efforts on all fronts – treatment practices, prevention measures, and law enforcement,” said Bucshon. “As a physician, I’ve focused on improving access to treatment for Americans battling opioid use disorder. Our bill helps expand access to wide-ranging treatment options and reduce improper use and abuse of treatment medications. I’m proud of the bipartisan support for our efforts and will continue working to see this measure become law.”
H.R. 4981, the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act, was introduced by Reps. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) and passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 27, 2016. H.R. 4981 amends the Controlled Substances Act to expand access to medication-assisted opioid addiction treatment, ensures patients have access to a wider range of comprehensive, evidence-based treatment options, and helps minimize the potential for drug diversion. The legislation is the product of months of stakeholder engagement, expert input and bipartisan negotiation.
H.R. 4981 passed the House floor and was a part of a comprehensive effort by the House to address opioid abuse and addiction this week. During debate, Dr. Bucshon spoke on the House floor urging support of legislation he authored to update and reform the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Video of his speech can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/EK_Q4xMrtvk.
Full text of H.R. 4981 can be accessed here: http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20160509/HR4981.pdf.
Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his third term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.
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