New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Republican Senator Mike Braun of Indiana recently introduced legislation to further enhance efforts already in place to address the opioid crisis. The Substance Use Prevention and Pharmacy Oriented Recovery Treatment Prescription Act (SUPPORT Rx) will provide grant funding for pharmacists to offer medical treatment for opioid use and receive training to treat individuals who have an opioid use disorder. Additionally, funding will allow for tele-behavioral health services and HIPAA-compliant technology so that pharmacists can share their information with other clinicians. To read the full text of the bill, click here

“Right now, individuals struggling with addiction face barriers to receiving necessary treatment and care, but this bipartisan legislation provides an innovative solution by leveraging pharmacies as hubs for addiction care where patients can receive treatment safely and quickly with fewer barriers,” Booker said. “We must act now to expand access to life-saving treatments and services, and continue crafting effective policy so Americans struggling with addiction can get the help they need.”

Pharmacies provide easy access for treatment, and many pharmacies throughout the state are already providing assistance by making free naloxone available to members of their community for no charge through the Naloxone 365 Program. This bi-partisan legislation will build on that good work.

In addition to being endorsed by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, the legislation has the support of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the National Association for State Boards of Pharmacy, as well as other prominent organizations. I look forward to seeing it signed into law as quickly as possible.