B1D98FECBE3B189B8725844700646545 Hearing Summary

Dr. Valuck discussed recommendations related to naloxone access, including extending immunity to those who use an expired naloxone kit, increasing public awareness of naloxone, and expanding take-home naloxone programs in emergency departments and hospitals.

Dr. Valuck discussed recommendations related to payment reform, including prohibiting discrimination of persons who fill naloxone and requiring insurers to reimburse hospitals for naloxone distributed in hospitals to high risk individuals and their families.  Senator Kennedy asked about the affordability of naloxone.  Dr. Valuck responded that the sale of naloxone is about $140 for a two dose package and has remained relatively steady in recent years.

Dr. Valuck discussed recommendations related to syringe access programs (SAPs) which include scaling funding for SAPs to meet statewide need, incorporating infectious disease education into the opioid response, and funding a pilot program for SAPs to offer fentanyl testing devices.  Discussion ensued.

Representative Wilson asked about options to address syringe needles left in public. Dr. Valuck noted that SAPs operate as an exchange program, and accept used needles.

Dr. Valuck continued to discuss recommendations, including creating and funding recovery residences that utilize a harm reduction approach, funding treatment programs that are compatible with a harm reduction approach, and establishing treatment-on-demand pilots for SAPs. Discussion ensued on treatment-on-demand pilot programs.

In response to a question, Dr. Valuck talked about federal laws regulating pharmacies and noted that federal law now allows a pharmacy to register as a reverse distributor to take back medications.  Dr. Valuck discussed the Consortium's advocay for a full-time medication safe disposal and take back program.

Representative Wilson asked about the feasiblity of building a medication waste incinerator in Colorado.  Dr. Valuck responded.