Bill > SJR0182

This Joint Resolution strongly urges Congress and the executive branch of the federal government to change laws and rules concerning Suboxone and Subutex, which are medications used to treat opiate addiction. The resolution highlights that while these drugs were approved for office-based treatment and their prescribing was expanded by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016, concerns have arisen about their potential for addiction, similar to drugs like oxycodone. Unlike methadone, which is typically dispensed in highly regulated clinics, Suboxone and Subutex can be prescribed by physicians with minimal training in less regulated settings, making it difficult for law enforcement to monitor and investigate potential problems due to privacy laws. Given the ongoing opioid crisis and these issues, the resolution calls for a reconsideration of the current regulations to allow law enforcement and public health officials better tools to address the challenges associated with prescribing these medications.