Providing for opioid stewardship; establishing the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund and the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council; and imposing duties on the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Impact
If passed, HB602 would introduce significant changes to state laws governing the distribution and management of opioids. The establishment of the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund would provide financial resources specifically designated for combatting the opioid epidemic, including funding for educational programs, training for healthcare providers, and grants for organizations working to address substance use disorders. Additionally, the bill would require systematic reporting on the sales and distribution of opioids, enhancing the ability of state agencies to monitor and respond to trends in opioid use and abuse.
Summary
House Bill 602 aims to address the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania by creating a framework for opioid stewardship, establishing the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund, and forming the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council. The bill outlines responsibilities for the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in combatting the opioid epidemic. Provisions include implementation of licensing requirements for opiate manufacturers and distributors, and formal mechanisms for funding addiction treatment and prevention initiatives.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB602 appears to be one of cautious optimism, as stakeholders recognize the necessity of addressing the growing opioid crisis while also expressing concerns about regulation and funding effectiveness. Supporters highlight the potential for improved public health outcomes through better management of opioid distribution and increased access to treatment options. Conversely, critics may argue that the complexities of bureaucratic oversight could hinder speedy responses and that there may be challenges in ensuring the funds are allocated effectively to reach the communities most in need.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB602 include the feasibility of the proposed funding mechanisms and the effectiveness of the suggested reporting requirements. Critics might express concern regarding the burden placed on manufacturers and distributors in complying with new licensing and reporting regulations, potentially impacting their operational capacities. Additionally, discussions may arise about how well the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund would function in practice, including how grants would be awarded and the criteria for determining which initiatives receive support.
Providing for opioid stewardship; establishing the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund and the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council; and imposing duties on the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
In powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties and providing for regulatory flexibility during opioid epidemic.
Providing for substance use treatment and recovery support and for powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and establishing the Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program.
Providing for substance use overdose awareness, treatment and recovery support and for powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and establishing the Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program.
Providing for substance use overdose awareness, treatment and recovery support and for powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and establishing the Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program.
Providing for portable battery stewardship and establishing requirements for Battery Stewardship Plans; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposing penalties.
Providing for opioid stewardship; establishing the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund and the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council; and imposing duties on the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment of program, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity, providing for annual report and for list of approved participating pharmacies and further providing for regulations.
Further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity; providing for annual report and for list of approved participating pharmacies; further providing for regulations; and imposing duties on the State Board of Pharmacy.
In public utility code, providing for minimum energy and water efficiency standards for certain products sold in this Commonwealth; and imposing penalties.
Establishes Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund; establishes requirements for proceeds from opioid settlements to support substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs.