Congress Taking New Approach to Opioid Epidemic

Recently, Representative Bob Latta introduced a bill into the United States House of Representatives. The bill, known as the Indexing Narcotics, Fentanyl and Opioids (INFO) Act, is intended to help create a public electronic database of information and strategies to combat the opioid crisis. The information in the database would be used to help federal, state, and local officials develop the most effective strategies to prevent addiction, treat those that are addicted, and keep prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands. The INFO Act would also track federal funding being used to combat the epidemic. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to appoint a Federal Coordinator to oversee the creation of the database, as well as coordinate related programs within HHS and serve as a liaison to state and local governments. The Federal Coordinator would work in consultation with the Department of Justice, Department of Veteran Affairs, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and other relevant agencies. The database would act as a central location for the public to find information on the following: Federal funding allocations made available for research and treatment of opioid abuse; Research relating to opioid abuse from all federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profits, law enforcement, medical experts, public health educators, and even research institutes. The bill would also require HHS to evaluate other issues relati...
Source: Policy and Medicine - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs