8A3DA219E39CDE1F8725830C005C1864 Hearing Summary

Representative Pettersen explained the status of the committee's draft bills and the process to hold stakeholder meetings.  Copies of the committee's five bill drafts were distributed to the committee (Attachment C).  

Representative Kennedy provided a summary of draft bill #1 regarding treatment of SUD.  He explained that the bill requires OBH to create a system to tracking treatment capacity, requires OBH to coordinate SUD care, and creates a grant program to increase treatment options in rural communities.  Committee members commented on provisions of the bill.

Representative Pettersen summarized draft bill #2, which creates a process to establish standards for recovery facilities, and funds research on innovative SUD recovery models.  Committee members commented on the draft bill.

Senator Priola summarized the components of draft bill #3 regarding harm reduction.  The bill allows school districts to create programs to obtain naloxone, sets requirements on electronic prescribing and use of the PDMP, allows syringe exchanges at hospitals, and expedites issuing identification cards to persons with SUD.  Committee discussion ensued regarding the bill draft.

Representative Singer described draft bill #4 regarding SUD prevention.  The bill requires continuing education on SUD for some health care providers, amends the definition of child abuse, adds funding for prenatal screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment, expands the household medication take back program, provides additional support for persons diagnosed with infectious diseases, and creates programs to increases public awareness of disposal of drugs, integrates SUD treatment and prenatal care, and increases funding for local prevention programs.  Committee discussion ensued regarding the bill draft.

Senator Moreno summarized draft bill #5 regarding SUD and the criminal justice system.  The bill requires some jails to provide MAT, clarifies the investigation of black market opioid operations, and appropriates funding to law enforcement assisted diversion and coresponder programs.  Committee members commented on the draft bill.

Dr. Rob Valuck, Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, and Jose Esquibel, Office of the Attorney General, discussed the process for stakeholder input regarding the bill drafts.  Committee discussion ensured regarding dates for future stakeholder meetings.