Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0119

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

Encourages and authorizes the department of health to adopt rules and regulations that lead to the more liberal utilization of buprenorphine.

Impact

Should S0119 be enacted, it would amend existing regulations within the 'Drug Abuse Control' laws, allowing state authorities to better manage the distribution and use of buprenorphine. The legislation emphasizes the need to analyze the prevalence of OUD and treatment efficacy across different demographics, which indicates a data-driven approach to public health concerns. By improving access to medication-assisted treatment, the bill seeks to address not only the addiction itself but also associated challenges like mental health issues and social support needs, aiming for comprehensive patient care.

Summary

S0119 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the opioid abuse crisis by promoting the use of buprenorphine, a medication commonly used in the treatment of opioid addiction. The bill encourages and authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules and regulations that facilitate a more liberal utilization of buprenorphine for patients suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). This aims to enhance access to care and streamline treatment processes for those impacted by opioid addiction, thus potentially improving recovery rates across the state.

Contention

While the intent of S0119 is generally aimed at improving care for opioid-dependent individuals, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implications of increased access to buprenorphine. Critics might express concerns about the risks of enabling misuse or dependency on medication itself, raising questions about monitoring and regulation. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding funding for the necessary healthcare infrastructures and support systems to accompany such changes, particularly regarding ensuring equitable access across diverse communities within the state. Overall, discussions around the bill will likely reflect the balance between expanding treatment options and managing associated risks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5273

Requires all lifeguards, and park and forest rangers, who work on a full time basis at any public beach or facility to be trained in administering opioid antagonists.

RI S0343

Requires all lifeguards, and park rangers, to be trained in administering opioid antagonists, and would require all public beaches to keep available a minimum of four doses of opioid antagonist.

RI H5595

Requires that every institution of higher education provide training in the administration of opioid antagonists to every staff member on the institution's campus.

RI H5866

Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a sixty-day (60) supply may be dispensed at any one time.

RI H5186

Amends current law on controlled substances to permit psilocybin to be cultivated within a person's residence for personal use and contingent on the US FDA's program, mandate that RI department of health establish rules regulations.

RI S0926

Extends the immunity from alcohol- or drug-related offenses in cases of emergency overdose care to violations of bail conditions.

RI S0464

Requires every college in RI to train staff members in the student residential department, including RAs, to administer of opioid antagonists with protection from liability and prosecution.

RI S0403

Prohibits force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product or the hiring of another to engage in force-feeding of a poultry product. Violations would be subject to a civil penalty of $500 per violation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.