Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) expressed their joy and satisfaction after the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act (MOTAA). This legislation aims to allow qualified doctors to prescribe methadone to patients with opioid use disorder, which they can then pick up at a pharmacy. The passage of this bill represents a significant reform to methadone regulations that have been in place for the past fifty years.

In a joint statement, Senators Paul and Markey highlighted the importance of this legislation in addressing the outdated and harmful laws surrounding methadone treatment. They emphasized that the current system criminalizes and stigmatizes individuals in recovery, preventing them from accessing the treatment they desperately need. The senators stressed that this outdated system is costing lives and that action must be taken to change it.

"We are pleased that our colleagues are joining with us in passing the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act," said Senators Paul and Markey. "Together, we took an essential step toward reducing stigma, expanding access, and saving lives in communities all across the country. We will keep fighting until the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act is signed into law."

The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act was introduced in March by Senators Paul and Markey, along with Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02). The bill has garnered bipartisan support and is cosponsored by 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).

This legislation has received widespread support from hundreds of clinicians and medical organizations who understand the urgent need to update the laws surrounding methadone. The outdated federal regulations have created barriers to treatment for individuals seeking help for opioid use disorder. By allowing board-certified addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry doctors registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe methadone, this bill will expand access to treatment and provide a lifeline to those in need.

The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act has the potential to make a significant impact on communities across the country. It will reduce the stigma associated with opioid use disorder and empower individuals to seek the help they need, regardless of where they live.

As this legislation moves forward, Senators Paul and Markey remain committed to fighting for its passage into law. The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act represents a critical step in addressing the opioid crisis and ensuring that individuals battling addiction can access the lifesaving treatment they deserve.

For more information on the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, visit the official website.

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Source: Senator Rand Paul