119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 5844
This bill amends federal drug treatment laws to require opioid treatment programs to increase community engagement and accountability when registering with the federal government. Specifically, treatment programs must now conduct community outreach, establish community advisory boards, develop neighborhood engagement and community relations plans, and designate a community liaison to work with local officials and organizations. The bill also requires programs to maintain appropriate distance from schools and other facilities, justify patient need in their service area, promote telehealth to reduce in-person visits, and track and report data on service requests and treatment outcomes. The Department of Health and Human Services must submit comprehensive annual reports to Congress beginning one year after enactment, documenting treatment performance, community engagement practices, and policy recommendations. This legislation primarily affects opioid treatment providers seeking federal registration or renewal, while benefiting communities by giving them a formal voice in treatment program decisions.