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FDA officials call for review of agency opioid policies
SAMHSA releases new resource for understanding mental health and substance use disorder benefits
SAMHSA announces FY 2016 Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success grant program
NIDA releases Strategic Plan for 2016-2020

In the News

AHA names Wayne Young as chair of 2016 Constituency Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services
National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws updates reports on marijuana legislation

News from NASADAD

NASADAD updates opioids fact sheet
NASADAD released an updated version of its opioids fact sheet last week. The fact sheet describes the latest statistics surrounding the ongoing opioid crisis, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive federal and State response in reducing the number of deaths resulting from overdoses. Best treatment practices and important federal programs addressing opioid use disorders are also discussed in the fact sheet.

Read the fact sheet here.

NASADAD updates DOJ priority programs fact sheet
NASADAD released an updated version of its Department of Justice (DOJ) priority programs fact sheet last week. The fact sheet describes the important programs dealing with substance use disorders within the DOJ, including the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, the Second Chance Act, and the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners (RSAT) program, among several others. The funding histories and websites of each respective programs are also provided.

Read the fact sheet here.

NASADAD attends Washington Post event on criminal justice reform

Brian Denten, Public Policy Intern, attended a Washington Post event on criminal justice reform last week. During the event, titled “Out of Jail, Into Society,” speakers emphasized the importance of revising mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines and improving reentry programs in boosting the outcomes of incarcerated individuals once they exit the criminal justice system. Members of both parties asserted that criminal justice reform is a bipartisan issue, and can be addressed at the federal level through legislation such as the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015 (S. 123). Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama, spoke extensively on breaking the school to prison pipeline and improving early childhood education as a method for reducing the number of individuals incarcerated within the United States.

Speakers:

Holly Harris; Executive Director, U.S. Justice Action Network
Valerie Jarrett; Senior Advisor to the President
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Secretary of Corrections John E. Wetzel, Pennsylvania
Glenn E. Martin; Founder and President, JustLeadershipUSA
Teresa Hodge; Co-founder, Mission: Launch, Inc.
Bernard B. Kerik; Founder, ACCJR.org; Former NYC Police and Correction Commissioner

News from the States

New York releases new tool tracking substance use disorder treatment bed availability in real time
New York Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, of which NASADAD member Arlene González-Sánchez is Commissioner, has released a new web-based tool for tracking substance use disorder treatment bed availability. The Bed Availability Dashboard collects data on bed availability from State-certified substance use disorder providers in real time before making the information available on the web application. The tool allows users to search for beds by region, age, and gender. Commissioner González-Sánchez states that, “connecting New Yorkers to addiction services is one of our top priorities. I encourage all New Yorkers in need of help to take advantage of this valuable resource to begin the journey towards recovery. Treatment is available and recovery is possible.” The Bed Availability Dashboard is the latest in a series of policies addressing substance use disorders in New York State.

Access the new tool here.

Around the Agencies

FDA officials call for review of agency opioid policies
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco, Dr. Robert Califf, and other FDA officials called for a reassessment of FDA opioid policies regarding opioid mediations last week. The agency’s plan includes a re-examination of the risk-benefit policies guiding opioid prescriptions, a convening of experts before approving new opioid medications, development of new prescription opioid labels, and the expansion of access to naloxone and medication-assisted treatment drugs. The FDA plans to work with other stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive overview is completed.

Read the full press release here.

SAMHSA releases new resource for understanding mental health and substance use disorder benefits
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a new resource to help consumers better understand mental health and substance use disorder benefits last week. The pamphlet, titled “Parity of Mental Health and Substance Use Benefits with Other Benefits” examines the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the standards it created. The resource discusses why mental health and substance use disorder benefit claims may be denied, and how to effectively file an appeal if necessary.

Download the resource here.

SAMHSA announces FY 2016 Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success grant program
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is now accepting applications for the FY 2016 Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success Grant program. The program intends to address underage drinking among persons aged 12 to 20 and prescription drug misuse among persons aged 12 to 25. SAMHSA is offering up to three grant awards ranging from $318,543 to $1,230,000 per year for up to five years.

Read more about this grant program here.

NIDA releases Strategic Plan for 2016-2020
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released its 2016-2020 Strategic Plan for advancing addiction science last week. The plan outlines the steps NIDA will take to utilize the latest technologies for the improvement of substance use disorder treatment outcomes. Four goals are identified within the plan: identifying the biological and behavioral causes and consequences of drug use and substance use disorders, developing new strategies for drug use prevention, developing new treatments (including medications, therapies, vaccines, and manipulation of brain activity), and increasing the reach of NIDA research and programs.

Access the strategic plan here.

In the News

AHA names Wayne Young as chair of 2016 Constituency Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has announced that Wayne Young will serve as the organization’s Constituency Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services chair for 2016. Mr. Young currently serves as a Senior Vice President for Behavioral Health within the JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas. As an AHA chair, Mr. Young will work with a 17-person governing council to identify ways to best utilize AHA resources to improve the quality, efficiency, and delivery of psychiatric and substance use disorder services.

Read the full press release here.

National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws updates reports on marijuana legislation
The National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws (NAMSDL) has updated its series of reports on medicinal, legal, and illegal marijuana legislation for 2016. The reports summarize ongoing and future efforts to regulate both the medical marijuana and legal marijuana industries at the State level. Two new reports are now available: one detailing legislation on the personal non-medical use of marijuana, and another summarizing legislation on medical marijuana use.

Read the non-medical use report here.

Read the medical marijuana report here.

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Morrison, Executive Director, (202) 293-0090 or Shalini Wickramatilake-Templeman, Public Policy Associate, at (202) 293-0090.

CapitolHill, Public View

Department of Justice (DOJ) NASADAD Priority Programs

Image February 12, 2016 aaa

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CapitolHill, Public View

D.C. Update – February 8, 2016

February 9, 2016 aaa

News from the States

Pennsylvania releases opioid prescribing guidelines for geriatric pain, obstetrics & gynecology pain treatment
Vermont releases health impact assessment on marijuana regulation
CVS announces plans to offer over-the-counter naloxone in Ohio pharmacies

Around the Agencies

SAMHSA announces Kimberly Johnson, PhD, as new Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
CMS releases Informational Bulletin on prescription opioid medications
CDC releases Vital Signs report on alcohol and pregnancy

In the News

National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws updates reports on marijuana legislation

News from the States

Pennsylvania releases opioid prescribing guidelines for geriatric pain, obstetrics & gynecology pain treatment
Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, of which NASADAD member Gary Tennis is Secretary, released two new opioid prescribing guidelines last month—one for geriatric pain and another for obstetrics & gynecology pain. The guidelines seek to help healthcare providers determine when to prescribe opioid pain relievers for patients versus other treatment options. The geriatric pain guidelines assert that overreliance on opioid treatment often results in inadequate pain control and misuse potential, and that “therapy for chronic pain with long acting opioids should be avoided in older adults.” If opioid therapy is selected as a treatment plan, dosages should begin low and increase over time.

The obstetrics & gynecology pain treatment prescribing guidelines recommend that all pregnant and postpartum women receive a brief screening for substance use disorders prior to opioid treatment, and that healthcare providers consider the risk of pregnancy before prescribing opioid painkillers to women of childbearing age. The guidelines address opioid painkiller usage by women who are breastfeeding, recommending that only select opioids be used.

Access the Prescribing Guidelines for Geriatric Pain here.

Access the Prescribing Guidelines for Obstetrics and Gynecology Pain Treatment here.

Vermont releases health impact assessment on marijuana regulation
Last month Vermont’s Department of Health, of which NASADAD member Barbara Cimaglio is Deputy Commissioner, released its health impact assessment on marijuana regulation. In 2014, Vermont hired the RAND Corporation to investigate the financial and policy implications of regulating marijuana, and the report provides an overview of the potential impact of regulated and taxed marijuana on the prevalence of mental health disorders, traffic safety problems, substance use disorders, and academic outcomes. Vermont’s State legislature is currently considering a bill that would regulate marijuana for adult use.

Read the full report here.

CVS announces plans to offer over-the-counter naloxone in Ohio pharmacies
The pharmacy chain CVS announced plans to offer over-the-counter naloxone in its Ohio locations last week. Beginning in late March, all CVS Pharmacy locations in Ohio will make naloxone available over-the-counter without a prescription. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Michael Botticelli joined CVS in making the announcement, underlining the importance of expanding naloxone availability in reducing opioid overdoses.

NTN Inquiry 176 – State Actions Against Non-Credentialed Treatment Providers

Image February 4, 2016 aaa

CapitolHill, Public View

D.C. Update – February 1, 2016

February 4, 2016 aaa

News from the States

Ohio releases acute pain opioid prescribing guidelines

Around the Agencies

SAMHSA report confirms importance of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant in wake of Medicaid expansion
CMS offers technical assistance for State agencies working to improve home and community-based services
SAMHSA releases updated version of opioid overdose prevention toolkit

In the News

Chuck Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections releases final report on criminal justice reform
Legal Action Center survey finds majority of Americans support expansion of substance use disorder treatment
High schools across the country move to offer opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone for free
White House names Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to lead new interagency effort on opioid epidemic

News from NASADAD

NASADAD releases FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Summary
NASADAD releases results of 2016 Public Policy Survey

News from the States

Ohio releases acute pain opioid prescribing guidelines
The Ohio Governor’s Cabinet Opiate Action Team, which includes Tracy Plouck, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, has released new opioid prescribing guidelines for acute pain. The guidelines highlight non-opioid treatment alternatives for acute and chronic pain conditions. They recommend that opioid pharmacologic treatment be reserved for severe medical conditions and used in conjunction with other types of therapy. The Governor’s Cabinet Opiate Action Team developed the new guidelines with the input of clinical professionals and healthcare providers as part of Ohio’s plan to reduce the misuse and overprescribing of opioid pain relievers.

View the new guidelines here.

Around the Agencies

SAMHSA report confirms importance of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant in wake of Medicaid expansion
A Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report released last week confirmed the importance of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant funding in the wake of State Medicaid expansions. The report used Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 2012 data to examine the insurance rates of individuals treated in State substance use disorder treatment facilities prior to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). SAMHSA found that “58.3 percent did not have health insurance, 25.6 percent had Medicaid coverage, and 16.0 percent had some other type of health insurance.” SAMHSA’s report asserts that it is unlikely that the State Medicaid expansions facilitated by the ACA will be able to cover all of the individuals without health insurance as of 2012. The report states that vulnerable populations, including the homeless and individuals within the criminal justice system, will continue to rely on public funding such as the SAPT Block Grant in order to receive substance use disorder treatment.

Read the full report here.

CMS offers technical assistance for State agencies working to improve home and community-based services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a flyer describing the technical assistance available for State agencies working to improve home and community-based services (HCBS) last week. CMS has partnered with New Editions Consulting, Inc. to offer a wide variety of services to State agencies, including strategic planning, community integration, population targeting, and program implementation. CMS plans for the new technical services to help guide program development by clarifying CMS’s requirements for HCBS and related services.

View the services available here.

SAMHSA releases updated version of opioid overdose prevention toolkit
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released an updated version of their opioid overdose prevention toolkit last week. The toolkit aims to educate first responders, physicians, patients, and family members on the best methods for facilitating opioid overdose prevention. The updated toolkit includes information on the intranasal spray version of naloxone, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last year.

Download the toolkit here.

In the News

Chuck Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections releases final report on criminal justice reform
The Chuck Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections released its final report on criminal justice reform last week. The report concluded over a year of analysis and stakeholder engagement conducted by a nine-person, bipartisan panel created by Congress to investigate the criminal justice system. The report asserts that the current federal and State criminal justice systems fail to adequately rehabilitate incarcerated individuals, leading to a cycle of criminality that fails to adequately maintain public safety. The Task Force highlights the large cost saving potential of criminal justice reform in the report, stating that over $5 billion in savings can be achieved if the full recommendations are approved. The recommendations include broad sentencing reform, more judicious use of incarceration, and greater emphasis on evidence-based reintegration programs for incarcerated individuals reentering society.

Read the full report here.

Legal Action Center survey finds majority of Americans support expansion of substance use disorder treatment
The Legal Action Center (LAC) released the results of a survey measuring American attitudes towards substance use disorders last week, finding that a majority of Americans support policies expanding the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. The survey found that “57 percent of Americans support a presidential candidate who says additional investment is needed for more education, prevention, and treatment of drug and alcohol addiction; 63 percent of Americans believe ‘we put too many non-violent drug offenders in prison instead of treating their addiction’; and 78 percent of Americans believe ‘we need to treat drug and alcohol addiction more as a health problem and less as a criminal problem.’” The LAC released a new report discussing national drug and alcohol policy in conjunction with the survey findings.

Read the full survey results here.

Read the LAC report “The Roadmap for Promoting Health and Justice: A Smarter, More Effective National Drug and Alcohol Policy” here.

High schools across the country move to offer opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone for free
Many States across the country have moved to offer naloxone for free in high schools, according to a Partnership for Drug-Free Kids article released last week. New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Delaware now allow school nurses to carry naloxone in their inventory of medications. The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) stated in June that “the incorporation of naloxone into school emergency preparedness and response plans is a school nurse role.” Despite the evidence of naloxone’s success in reversing opioid overdoses, many States continue to not stock naloxone in high schools.

Read the full article here.

White House appoints Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to lead new interagency effort on opioid use disorders
Earlier this month, the White House announced that Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will lead a new interagency effort addressing the opioid crisis. The announcement is part of a larger effort to centralize federal decision-making on substance use disorders as opioid overdose rates have continued to rise across the country. Secretary Vilsack stated that while a long-term solution to the opioid crisis will be implemented by the next President, the Obama Administration intends to “develop a comprehensive strategy and elevate the issue in the American consciousness.” NASADAD sent a letter to Secretary Vilsack last week thanking him for his leadership and underlining the importance of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant in establishing State treatment and prevention programs. The letter requests that the Secretary coordinate with State substance abuse agencies and leverage State expertise while developing new federal policies. The letter is attached to this email.

Read the full story here.

News from NASADAD

NASADAD releases FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Summary
NASADAD released a summary of the FY 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act last week. The summary includes a series of charts outlining the final FY 2016 appropriations for the programs and agencies involved with substance use disorders. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant received a $38.2 million increase compared to FY 2015, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) received a $26.6 million decrease compared to FY 2015, and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) received a $36.0 million increase compared to FY 2016. The Obama Administration plans to release the proposed FY 2017 budget on February 9^th.

Read NASADAD’s FY 2016 appropriations summary here.

NASADAD releases results of 2016 Public Policy Survey
NASADAD has compiled and released results of its annual Public Policy Survey. The survey is intended to determine the federal funding and legislative priorities of State Directors and component group leadership. The survey is also designed to acquire feedback on the services and products provided by NASADAD’ Public Policy Department. Policy staff use the survey results as a guide for prioritizing work throughout 2016.

View the 2016 Survey results here.

CapitolHill, MembersOnly

2016 Annual Public Policy Survey Results

Image January 29, 2016 aaa