To ensure references to opioid overdose reversal agents in certain grant programs of the Department of Health and Human Services are not limited to naloxone.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · September 14, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
The HEAL Act of 2023 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to expand the types of opioid overdose reversal medications that can be used in federal grant programs addressing opioid misuse and addiction. Currently, many HHS grant programs specifically reference naloxone as the overdose reversal agent, but this bill requires that references instead include any FDA-approved drug or device designed to treat opioid overdoses, allowing for newer alternatives like nalmefene. The legislation affects two major grant programs: the State and Tribal Opioid Response Grants and the Substance Use Disorder Prevention grant program. HHS must update all existing regulations and guidance related to these programs by December 31, 2023 to reflect this broader definition of approved overdose reversal agents.
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