Bill > H4730

This bill establishes the Naloxone Purchase Trust Fund to support the universal purchase and distribution of opioid antagonists (such as naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses) throughout Massachusetts. The trust fund will be maintained by the state's health department and will consist of monies transferred from the executive office of health and human services, voluntary contributions from third-party payers, and interest earnings. The fund can be used to cover the costs of purchasing, storing, and distributing opioid antagonists to healthcare facilities like hospitals, emergency departments, substance use disorder treatment facilities, and community health centers, with a specific focus on providing these medications to patients with a history of opioid use, diagnosed opioid use disorder, or previous opioid-related overdoses. The bill limits administrative expenses to 10% of the total fund and requires annual reporting to legislative committees. Additionally, the bill makes several technical amendments to existing laws to facilitate the funding mechanism, including modifications to how managed care organization service assessments are calculated and transferred. The implementation of the bill is contingent upon receiving necessary federal approvals, ensuring that the program complies with federal regulations and requirements.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Public Health (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4730