Advocacy Alert: June 2022 Legislative News Round Up

July 7, 2022

For those of you who follow us on social media know, we post news stories on a daily basis that are connected to the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry.

Many of these are news stories regarding legislation, so once a month we send out a 'news roundup' of related news stories we've posted. Unless otherwise stated, BHAP has no official stance on any of these stories: the intention is to share so that we're all better informed as to what's happening in the legislative world.

A reminder that BHAP members get access to a monthly call with our advocate in Washington, DC, to find out what is going on and ask any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us for more information on that.

British Columbia to Decriminalize Possession of Some Hard Drugs Amid Opioid Crisis
Shared 6/2/2022
The federal government is taking action to address Canada's opioid crisis in one of its worst-hit provinces, allowing British Columbia to decriminalize possession of up to 2.5 grams of illicit drugs for personal use, beginning in early 2023.

To Fight the Opioid Crisis, Canada Tests Decriminalizing Possession
Shared 6/3/2022
Drug overdose deaths have risen sharply across Canada over the past five years, with opioid-related deaths linked to fentanyl more than doubling.

PA | Pennsylvania Department Sets Fines for Unlicensed Addiction Recovery Facilities
Shared 6/6/2022
Starting June 9, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will be able to issue fines of up to $1,000 per day for all unlicensed recovery houses that receive public funding.

CO | Colorado to Spend Half a Billion Dollars on Mental Health
Shared 6/7/2022
At close to a half billion dollars, it is the largest single-year investment lawmakers have ever put into behavioral health in any legislative session.

KY | Kentucky Congressman Shares Solutions to the Opioid Epidemic
Shared 6/8/2022
Guthrie is an original cosponsor of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which would permanently extend the class-wide scheduling of illicit fentanyl-related substances.

Alcohol and Cannabis are Top Reasons People Seek Substance Misuse Treatment
Shared 6/16/2022
The CDC report included data from 399 treatment centers across 37 states.

IL | New Joyce-Backed Law will Help Combat Opioid Epidemic
Shared 6/16/2022
In an effort to provide people with better options to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a law signed on Friday to create a statewide disposal program.

Jon Ossoff Inquires About Whether Government Is Effectively Addressing Opioid Crisis
Shared 6/20/2022
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) questioned a witness on Tuesday at a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing about the GAO Report on how to minimize wasteful spending in the government.

Patients with Opioid Addiction Could Soon Lose Access to Virtual Care
Shared 6/22/2022
Federal regulations that have allowed practitioners the flexibility to prescribe buprenorphine virtually -- and to patients outside their state -- are due to expire along with the Covid-19 public health emergency.

MA | Massachusetts House Passes Comprehensive Behavioral Health Bill
Shared 6/23/2022
Bill makes substantial investments aimed at improving our behavioral health care delivery system.

CA | California: Funds for People with Severe Mental Illness
Shared 6/23/2022
California announced $518.5 million in grants to help provide services and housing options to those with severe mental illness or substance abuse problems, including for those who are living on the streets.

MI | Michigan Senate Approves $565 Million for Mental Health
Shared 6/24/2022
Senate Bill 714 aims to fund jail diversion, create treatment units to reduce emergency room overcrowding, and bolster substance abuse programs.

MD | Innovative Financing and Regional Partnerships Key to Advancing Integrated Behavioral Health in Maryland
Shared 6/28/2022
Maryland is taking steps to improve the integration of behavioral health services in the primary care space, particularly for children and adolescents.

House Oversight Committee Discusses Opioid Crisis Plaguing United States
Shared 6/29/2022
The House Oversight Committee holds a hearing entitled, "Examining the 2022 National Drug Control Strategy and the Federal Response to the Overdose Crisis."

VA | Virginia Lawmakers Focus on Help for Mental Health System
Shared 6/29/2022
Staffing shortages causing a strain on mental health facilities and workers.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

A reminder that BHAP members get regular access to our advocate in Washington, DC. If you have any questions about BHAP's advocacy efforts, please contact us.