Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) expressed their satisfaction after the Senate HELP Committee passed the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act (MOTAA). This legislation aims to reform the current laws surrounding the prescription of methadone for opioid use disorder. The bipartisan bill would allow board-certified addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry doctors registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe methadone that patients could pick up at a pharmacy. This reform represents the first major change to methadone regulations in 50 years and has garnered support from numerous medical professionals and organizations.

In a joint statement, Senators Paul and Markey emphasized the need for this legislative change. They stated, "Methadone for opioid use disorder is locked behind arcane laws that criminalize and stigmatize people in recovery. The experts and evidence are clear: this outdated system is costing lives, and we should no longer stand by as outdated federal law keeps people from treatment they need no matter where they live."

The senators expressed their pleasure in the passing of the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act by the Senate HELP Committee. They highlighted the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access, and saving lives in communities across the country. They added, "We will keep fighting until the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act is signed into law."

The bipartisan effort to address the issue of methadone regulations began in March, when Senators Paul and Markey, alongside Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced the MOTAA bill. The Senate bill has gained support from Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which seeks to improve access to methadone treatment, can be read in its entirety on the official website of Senator Rand Paul.

This legislative victory represents a significant step forward in addressing the opioid crisis and providing better access to treatment. With bipartisan support and a clear focus on saving lives and reducing stigma, Senators Paul and Markey are leading the charge for change in methadone regulations. The passing of the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act in the Senate HELP Committee is a promising development, and the senators remain committed to seeing this bill become law.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/senators-paul-markey-celebrate-bipartisan-committee-passage-of-lifesaving-methadone-expansion-legislation/