Rep. Gene Green Bill to Combat the Opioid Crisis Passes the House

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act (H.R. 5327), a bill introduced by Reps. Gene Green (D-TX), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), and Larry Buschon, M.D. (R-IN).

“The bipartisan legislation that passed today is a step forward for millions of Americans who suffer from opioid abuse and need comprehensive treatment at a one-stop shop,” said Green. “Our legislation will require designated centers to provide wraparound services for Americans suffering from opioid addiction, including counseling, recovery housing, and job training. It is our intention to use this new program to identify standards and best practices that can be deployed nationwide.”

The Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act of 2018 would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to treatment facilities in order to establish or operate comprehensive centers that provide a full range of treatment services. The bill requires evidence-based practices and data reporting to ensure accountability, allowing for treatments such as detoxification, the use of FDA-approved medications for substance abuse disorders, and a number of other services.

Full text of the bill can be read HERE.

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