Schneider, Brooks Introduce the ADAPT Act to Combat the Opioid Crisis

U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Susan W. Brooks (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan bill that works to combat the opioid crisis that is sweeping through the country. H.R.5581, the Abuse Deterrent and Prescriber Training (ADAPT) Act of 2018 ensures opioid prescribers have the education necessary to safely prescribe opioid medications to patients.

"Across the country, in communities large and small, we are suffering the consequences of an epidemic of opioid abuse and addiction," said Schneider. "Turning the tide will take a broad, multi-faceted effort, and equipping doctors with the most up-to-date information on how to prevent, detect, and treat opioid abuse is an important part of the solution. Throughout this Congress, I've focused on the benefits of continuing education to prevent over-prescribing, and I'm pleased to partner with Rep. Brooks to introduce the bipartisan ADAPT Act. I look forward to working with the Energy and Commerce Committee and other stakeholders to address this ongoing health crisis."

"Opioids are powerful drugs and have the potential to become incredibly addictive," said Brooks. "It is imperative for all of our nation's prescribers to receive adequate training before sending a patient home with a bottle full of pills that could be abused. The ADAPT Act requires prescribers to complete Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses on the potential dangers and risks of prescribing opioids if their state does not already require them to do so. This epidemic is complex and in order to save more lives from being taken by substance abuse, we must combat this issue with an all-hands-on-deck approach. Prescribers are an integral part of the solution and I am proud to work with my colleague Rep. Schneider on this legislation."

BACKGROUND

The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on communities across the United States. In 2016, over 64,000 people died from overdose – that is 175 people dying every single day. As a result, poisoning is now the number one cause of injury death, surpassing motor vehicle accidents.

In October 2017, the President declared the opioid epidemic a nationwide public health emergency, recognizing our country is experiencing a severe crisis which needs immediate action. The President also established a Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, which released their final report highlighting the need for continued focus on preventing drug abuse in our communities and improving treatment services for those who are struggling with addiction. Specifically, the report pressed for increased medical education for prescribers.

Everyone has a role to play in reversing the devastating effects of the opioid crisis and it is especially important that prescribers of opioids receive continued education on the risks associated with addictive medications.

H.R. 5581, the ADAPT Act, is supported by Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) and Indiana University. This bill:

• ensures practitioners who prescribe opioids receive continued medical education (CME) so they are adequately trained on topics such as:
  • safe prescribing guidelines,
  • risks associated with opioids,
  • alternative pain management practices,
  • early detection of drug abuse, and
  • treatment options for patients suffering from addiction.
• provides states with the flexibility to approve their own training requirements, that can be based on best practices established by HHS.
• directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on the effect of CME on prescribing practices and the extent to which CME reduces opioid prescriptions, overdoses, and deaths associated with opioid abuse.