Congressional Hearing on Opioid Treatment Access
January 1, 2019
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The Frame
This hearing serves as a formal legislative review of federal opioid policies, which directly influences future funding and regulatory changes for addiction treatment services nationwide.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Individuals with substance use disorders
The hearing focuses on potential legislative changes that could alter their access to evidence-based treatment services.
Medical and nursing professionals
These professionals provide the testimony that informs federal policy regarding the standards and availability of addiction treatment.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2019.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on June 19, 2019, to address the 'inadequate federal approach' to opioid treatment.
- Between 2013 and 2017, more than 270,000 Americans died from drug overdoses.
- Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that only 10.8% of individuals with substance use disorders receive specialty treatment.
- The committee reviewed testimony from six medical and nursing experts regarding barriers to care.
- The hearing included the submission of external reports, including a New Yorker article on the pain pill epidemic and statements from SMART Recovery and Faces and Voices of Recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of this hearing?
Who testified at the hearing?
Why It Matters
This hearing serves as a formal legislative review of federal opioid policies, which directly influences future funding and regulatory changes for addiction treatment services nationwide.
News Coverage
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Treatment Access
The hearing highlights a shift in congressional focus from purely enforcement-based opioid strategies toward expanding medical treatment access.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance80How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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