Senate passes opioids package

Washington — The Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation Sept. 17 aimed at ending the nation's opioid epidemic.

The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 authorizes additional funding for continuing education and improving the integrity and interoperability of state prescription drug monitoring programs.

The bill also intensifies federal research into new pain management therapies and promotes more convenient ways for consumers to dispose of their unused medications.  

Congressional leaders next must reconcile the Senate bill with its House companion, HR 6. Both bills authorize a series of grants, studies and other activities to address the opioid crisis. The House passed its version in June.

In 2016, the ADA successfully lobbied for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which authorized similar activities to help prevent opioid misuse and abuse. Congressional funding for those activities has been limited.

For more information, visit ADA.org/opioids.