Category Archives: CapitolHill
What’s Happening on Capital Hill
NASADAD releases policy statement on opioid overdose
The statement outlines the Association’s position on strategies to prevent fatal opioid overdose, particularly expanding access to naloxone and 911 Good Samaritan laws.
Letter to Support Confirmation of ONDCP Acting Director Botticelli
D.C. Update – September 17, 2014
News from NASADAD
- NASADAD sends letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in support of confirmation of ONDCP Acting Director Michael Botticelli
- NASADAD attends briefing on curing Hepatitis C
- NASADAD attends briefing on mental health and substance abuse parity
- NASADAD attends briefing on the opioid epidemic in large cities
Capitol Hill News
- Senate passes resolution designating National Drug Take-Back Week and Heroin Abuse Awareness Month
Around the Agencies
- NIAAA to run clinical trial of new medication to treat alcohol use disorder
- NIH announces National Drug Facts Week to begin on January 26th
- CMS expands Medicaid coverage for children with Autism
- Webcast available for Recovery Month Kick-Off Luncheon
In the News
- Community leaders call for end to Hepatitis C treatment access crisis
- Faces and Voices of Recovery and Young People in Recovery approve plans to merge
News from NASADAD
NASADAD sends letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in support of confirmation of ONDCP Acting Director Michael Botticelli
NASADAD sent the letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Grassley (R-IA) on September 9th following President Obama’s nomination announcement. The letter expresses NASADAD’s enthusiastic support for the nomination of Acting Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to serve as the permanent Director of ONDCP. The letter also recommends that the Committee take action on the nomination. The letter outlines Mr. Botticelli’s outstanding work to advance the field of substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery and his ability collaborate across sectors to advance public health goals. We will continue to update the membership as Mr. Botticelli’s confirmation process moves forward.
NASADAD attends briefing on curing Hepatitis C
Thomas Friedlander, Public Policy Intern attended the briefing, “Curing Hepatitis C – the Patient’s Perspective,” hosted by Gilead Sciences on September 12th. Panelists included a leading clinical researcher in the field of Hepatitis C and two former patients, one of whom served as the nation’s first regional Drug Czar in Baltimore. The briefing focused on SOVALDI, a new drug that reduces the time needed to cure Hepatitis C. Clinical researcher, Dr. Natarajan Ravendhran, discussed the need for SOVALDI to be available for Hepatitis C patients at all stages of the virus. Former patient, Mike Gimbel, addressed the relationship between Hepatitis C and heroin use. Panelists also discussed the challenge of mitigating the high costs of SOVALDI.
Moderator:
Coy Stout, Gilead Sciences
Panelists:
Dr. Natarajan Ravendhran, St. Agnes Hospital, MD
Mike Gimbel, Mike Gimbel Associates
Julian Cass
NASADAD attends briefing on mental health and substance abuse parity
Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate and Thomas Friedlander, Public Policy Intern attended the briefing, “Realizing the Promise of Mental Health and Substance Use Parity: New Tools for Navigating Mental Health Coverage,” hosted by the National Council for Behavioral Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) on September 10th. The briefing featured presentations by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) and former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), as well as Chuck Ingoglia (National Ccouncil) and Robert Gebbia (AFSP) The panelists discussed the social and economic impact of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and announced the release of brochures designed to help consumers understand their protections under MHPAEA.
Panelists:
Fmr. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Kennedy Forum
Chuck Ingoglia, National Council for Behavioral Health
Robert Gebbia, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
NASADAD attends briefing on the opioid epidemic in large cities
Thomas Friedlander, Public Policy Intern attended the briefing, “The Opioid Epidemic: Reporting from the Front Lines of America’s Big Cities,” hosted by the Big Cities Health Coalition and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) on September 16th. The briefing featured presentations by the Commissioners of the New York City and Chicago Public Health Departments as well as the Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. The panelists discussed the increase in opioid misuse in major metropolitan areas and described potential policy responses to the growing number of opioid overdoses. These policies include making naloxone more widely available to reverse overdoses, passing the Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment (TREAT) Act to increase access to buprenorphine treatment, and expanding Good Samaritan protections to the federal level. Panelists also discussed the rising rate of deaths from opioid overdose and the need for greater prescription oversight.
Moderator:
Shelly Hearne, Big Cities Health Coalition
Panelists:
Mary Travis Bassett, New York City Department of Public Health and Mental Hygiene
Bechara Choucair, Chicago Department of Public Health
Barbara Ferrer, Boston Public Health Commission
Capitol Hill News
Senate passes resolution designating National Drug Take-Back Week and Heroin Abuse Awareness Month
On Wednesday, September 10th, the Senate voted unanimously to designate the week between October 27th and November 2nd as “National Drug Take-Back Week.” The designated week seeks to raise awareness on drug take-back programs in an effort to reduce the accessibility of unused prescription drugs among adolescents. The resolution also designates October as “National Prescription Opioid and Heroin Abuse Awareness Month.” The designated month will be used to expand the discussion surrounding the nonmedical use of prescription drugs and heroin use. In 2011, 55% of accidental overdose deaths were attributed to prescription drugs, and 74% of prescription drug-related deaths were attributed to opioid pain relievers. The resolution was introduced by U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
Around the Agencies
NIAAA to run clinical trial of new medication to treat alcohol use disorder
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) announced that it will conduct the trial on “gabapentin enacarbil” beginning in early 2015. The study will test the drug’s safety and effectiveness in treating patients with alcohol use disorders. Director of NIAAA, George Koob, PhD, said “Current medications for alcohol dependence are effective for some, but not all patients. New medications are needed to provide effective therapy to a broader spectrum of alcohol dependent individuals.” Gabapentin has already been successful in other studies in helping patients reduce heavy drinking or stop drinking altogether. There are currently three medications approved by the FDA to treat alcohol use disorders: disulfram, acamprosate, and naltrexone.
NIH announces National Drug Facts Week to begin on January 26th
The National Institutes of Health sponsors National Drug Facts Week to bring adolescents together with scientific experts to educate students about the myths of drug use and addiction. The upcoming Week will run from January 26th – February 1st, 2015. Information on last year’s event and ideas for next year are available on the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) website. NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow says “National Drug Facts Week has been growing every year, from 92 events at its inception almost five years ago. This tells us how much teens – who are bombarded daily with misinformation about drugs – want science-based facts about drug use.” Events can be hosted by a variety of organizations including schools, community organizations, clinics, and others. The online toolkit provides information about how to run a successful event and offers resources on adolescent drug use and interactive tools.
CMS expands Medicaid coverage for children with Autism
According to an article from the Washington Post, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that comprehensive autism services must be covered for children by all State Medicaid plans any by the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Previously, some States only covered services for children with severe autism. The new guidelines require State Medicaid programs to cover the full range of services under the early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment services or EPSDT benefit. This applies to children with autism spectrum disorder, which includes Asperger syndrome and autistic disorder. The expanded coverage will reduce the cost of autism treatment for low income families, which now averages about $3 million.
Webcast available for Recovery Month Kick-Off Luncheon
The Entertainment Industries Council (EIC) announced the availability of the luncheon webcast on September 11th. Rob Morrison, Executive Director and Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate attended the luncheon hosted by NAADAC. SAMHSA, Young People in Recovery (YPR), and the Association of Recovery Schools partnered with NAADAC to plan the event. The luncheon opened with a song written and performed by John McAndrew, a recovery advocate. ONDCP Acting Director Botticelli and Administrator Hyde provided brief remarks and Cynthia Moreno, Executive Director of NADAAC, welcomed participants and emceed the event. A number of other speakers presented on a panel to discuss treatment and recovery issues including CSAT Director Dr. Clark, CMHS Director Paolo del Vecchio, founding member of Young People in Recovery Mike DeAgro, and Executive Director of the Association of Recovery Schools Kristen Harper.
In the News
Community leaders call for end to Hepatitis C treatment access crisis
A coalition of Hepatitis C organizers, led by the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) called on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell to remove discriminatory barriers to treatment (used by both private and public payers) for patients with Hepatitis C. The coalition collected over 700 signatures from individuals, organizations, and medical providers, demanding greater availability for effective Hepatitis C treatment for all patients. In some cases, the most effective treatments are given to the sickest patients, meaning an individual with Stage One or Two Hepatitis C may have to wait until the virus advances before being eligible for the most effective treatment solutions. In addition, patients with substance use disorders may be required to maintain sobriety for an extended period of time before being treated. The coalition argues that this approach limits the number of patients who can be treated and does less to curb Hepatitis C outbreaks.
Faces and Voices of Recovery and Young People in Recovery approve plans to merge
Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) and Young People in Recovery (YPR) announced the merger on September 16th. Both organizations’ Boards of Directors approved the move which will be completed over the next several months. Mike DeAgro, Chairman of the Board of YPR said “Together, we are creating the New Recovery Advocacy Movement, combining previously separate organizations into a single, stronger, national voice that can advocate for the needs of millions of people of all ages who need support while seeking or in continued recovery.” The new organization will continue to advocate for robust recovery communities and to ensure that all individuals have the ability to achieve and sustain long-term recovery.
Public Policy Committee Call – September 5, 2014
D.C. Update – September 8, 2014
News from NASADAD
- NASADAD attends Recovery Month kick-off event and luncheon
- NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of buprenorphine legislation by Senator Markey (D-MA)
News from the States
- Arizona State Director Cory Nelson records podcast for the Payer’s Summit on Behavioral Health Management
Around the Agencies
- SAMHSA hosting two part webinar series on substance use and suicide
- SAMHSA releases brief report on 2013 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- HHS announces $60 million in grants for health insurance Navigators
- DEA releases new rules to expand prescription drug disposal options
In the News
- ASAM releases updated report on State Medicaid coverage of medication-assisted treatment
News from NASADAD
NASADAD attends Recovery Month kick-off event and luncheon
Rob Morrison, Executive Director and Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate attended the events on September 4th. The Recovery Month kick-off event was hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and featured presentations by SAMHSA Administrator Pamela Hyde, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Acting Director Michael Botticelli, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) Director Dr. H. Westley Clark, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Director Paolo del Vecchio, and representatives from the recovery community. Tom Coderre, SAMHSA Senior Advisor, moderated the event. Presenters offered personal stories of recovery as well as highlighting the work at the federal level to expand and promote recovery from substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Administrator Hyde also released some of the data from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Following the press event, participants attended a luncheon hosted by NAADAC. SAMHSA, Young People in Recovery (YPR), and the Association of Recovery Schools partnered with NAADAC to plan the event. The luncheon opened with a song written and performed by John McAndrew, a recovery advocate. ONDCP Acting Director Botticelli and Administrator Hyde provided brief remarks and Cynthia Moreno, Executive Director of NADAAC, welcomed participants and emceed the event. A number of other speakers presented on a panel to discuss treatment and recovery issues including CSAT Director Dr. Clark, CMHS Director Paolo del Vecchio, founding member of Young People in Recovery Mike DeAgro, and Executive Director of the Association of Recovery Schools Kristen Harper.
NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of buprenorphine legislation by Senator Markey (D-MA)
NASADAD released the analysis of a bill introduced by Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) in August. The bill, The Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment Act (TREAT Act) was co-sponsored by Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA), John Rockefeller (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI). The legislation would increase the number of patients that a waivered provider is allowed to treat to 100 in the first year and then some physicians can request to remove the limit after the first year if they are addiction specialists or if they completed additional training and practice in a qualified practice setting (named in the legislation). The legislation would also allow certain nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat up to 100 patients per year if they are licensed in a State that allows them to prescribe controlled substances, if they complete the training, and if they are supervised by a waivered physician or are certified addiction treatment nurse practitioners who practice in a qualified practice setting. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will also be required to produce a report on the legislation looking at chances in treatment availability and utilization, quality of treatment, primary care integration, diversion, and more. The legislation has been endorsed by a variety of organizations including the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), National Association of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), and others. NASADAD has not taken a position on this legislation.
News from the States
Arizona State Director Cory Nelson records podcast for the Payer’s Summit on Behavioral Health Management
Director Cory Nelson will be presenting at the summit on “Integration and Behavioral Health Management – The Arizona Experience.” 80 percent of Arizona’s frequent health care system users have a mental health or substance use condition. Mr. Nelson discusses how Arizona has been working toward the integration of physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders through its health management strategies and health care delivery system. Director Nelson also offers insight about how Arizona’s health care system will operate in the future as integration efforts grow and mature.
Around the Agencies
SAMHSA hosting two part webinar series on substance use and suicide
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be hosting the series, with part one scheduled for Thursday, September 11th at 2 pm Eastern Time. Part one of the series will focus on “Understanding the Connection between Suicide and Substance Abuse: What the Research Tell Us.” Presentations will provide information for practitioners to help them work more effectively across disciplines to address the issues around substance use disorders and suicide. This includes looking at current research and highlighting the factors that contribute to both issues and that can be addressed in a collaborative way. Part two will be centered on “Mobilizing Partnerships and Resources to Address Substance Abuse and Suicide.” This webinar will discuss how States and communities can effectively collaborate across disciplines on these issues. Presenters will highlight some of the innovate ways that practitioners have found to successfully prevent substance abuse and suicide. Participants may register online to participate.
SAMHSA releases brief report on 2013 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
As part of the kick-off for Recovery Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a brief overview of findings from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The brief provides national estimates on the prevalence of substance use and mental illness. The report also supports the need for and barriers to receive substance use disorder treatment, mental health care, and care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. An estimated 24.6 million individuals aged 12 and older were past month users of illicit drugs – 2.2 million of which are adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age.
HHS announces $60 million in grants for health insurance Navigators
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Sylvia Burwell made the announcement on September 8th. The grants have been awarded to 90 organizations in States with federally-facilitated and State partnership insurance marketplaces. These grants help Navigators prepare and reach out to their communities to assist with the upcoming enrollment period for the health insurance marketplaces. Navigators and other assisters helped roughly 10.6 million consumers apply for health insurance coverage in the marketplace, in Medicaid, or in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during the first open enrollment period. In addition to helping consumers enroll in marketplace coverage, Navigators also have an important role in helping consumers determine whether they qualify for public health coverage (Medicaid or CHIP).
DEA releases new rules to expand prescription drug disposal options
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released the final rule on September 8th. Prior to this rule, prescription drug disposal was limited to law enforcement. The new rule allows other entities who are registered with the DEA to become authorized medication collection sites. This includes manufacturers, distributors, substance use disorder treatment programs, and pharmacies. Law enforcement continues to have autonomy over how they collect controlled substances, including holding take-back events. Anyone interested may partner with law enforcement to organize a take-back event.
In the News
ASAM releases updated report on State Medicaid coverage of medication-assisted treatment
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) released an update of their survey of State Medicaid benefits for medications used to treat opioid use disorders. The updated report features an online, interactive map that shows how many medications are covered under each State’s Medicaid program. The State pages also provide fact sheets on the medications covered in that State, an overview of the benefits for each medication (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone), as well as any limitations placed on the medications.
Buprenorphine Prescriber Limits Information
A variety of discussions have taken place (and continue to take place) at the national level regarding ways to expand access to medication-assisted treatment. One method that has been discussed is to increase the amount of patients that physicians can prescribe buprenorphine to as part of substance use disorder treatment. Under current law, physicians may apply for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine to up to 30 patients in their first year and 100 patient in following years. NASADAD takes these discussions very seriously and is working through a process to provide education to our members and host forums and discussion to allow our members a chance to voice their opinions.
NASADAD has not taken a public position on these proposed changes. However, in 2010, NASADAD released a statement in support of medication-assisted treatment. Other national organizations have begun to take public positions on this issue.
As part of NASADAD’s educational efforts, we released a section-by-section analysis of one such proposal to alter the buprenorphine patient limit.
Statements by National Organizations: