Massachusetts House Bill H3827

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Resolutions urging the Congress of the United States to update the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 and remove excessive training requirements mandated for obtaining a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine

Impact

The resolution highlights the urgency of addressing the growing opioid crisis, noting that over 2.1 million people struggled with opioid use disorders in 2016 and 2017. Increasing access to treatment through buprenorphine is seen as a crucial component in combating opioid addiction and preventing fatalities associated with overdoses, which result in more than 130 deaths per day. The resolution draws attention to the fact that current regulations impose a stricter framework for buprenorphine than for other Schedule III drugs, discouraging medical practitioners from prescribing this life-saving medication.

Summary

House Bill 3827 is a resolution introduced in the Massachusetts General Court that aims to urge the United States Congress to amend the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000. The bill specifically calls for the removal of excessive training requirements imposed on physicians who wish to obtain a waiver for prescribing buprenorphine, a medication commonly used to treat opioid addiction. By streamlining these requirements, the bill seeks to facilitate better access to effective treatment options for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder, which has escalated into a significant public health crisis in recent years.

Contention

Notably, the bill points out the inconsistency in requirements for prescribing buprenorphine compared to other Schedule III medications that do not necessitate special training or licensing. Advocates for the bill argue that the current stringent requirements hinder healthcare providers' ability to treat patients effectively and that Congress should re-evaluate these mandates to prioritize the delivery of essential addiction treatment services. This call for reform resonates strongly within the backdrop of a national opioid crisis, prompting discussions on the role of government regulation in medical practices related to addiction treatment.