Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016
Latest action (22 Jul 2016): Became Public Law No: 114-198.
What this bill does
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 aims to address the prescription opioid and heroin crisis through various initiatives. It authorizes grants for prevention and education, law enforcement, treatment, and recovery programs. The Act also focuses on specific populations such as women, families, and veterans, and includes provisions related to pain management, drug take-back programs, and medication-assisted treatment.
This legislation affects individuals struggling with addiction, their families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and veterans. It seeks to improve access to treatment, educate the public on the dangers of opioid abuse, and support community-based efforts to combat local drug crises. The Act also includes measures to streamline the process for veterans with military medical training to become civilian healthcare professionals.
The bill was introduced in 2015 and was enacted into law on July 22, 2016, when it was signed by the President. As an enacted law, its provisions are now in effect, and the relevant government agencies are authorized to implement the programs and grant-making authorities established by the Act.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
(This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on July 6, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016
TITLE I--PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
(Sec. 101) This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force to review best practices for pain management developed or adopted by federal agencies. The task force must propose updates to best practices and recommendations for addressing gaps or inconsistencies.
(Sec. 102) HHS must advance education and awareness regarding the risk of abuse of prescription opioids if they are not taken as prescribed. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications and heroin.)
(Sec. 103) The Office of National Drug Control Policy, in coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, may award grants to implement community-wide strategies to address a high rate of, or sudden increase in, opioid or methamphetamine abuse or a sudden increase in opioid-related deaths.
(Sec. 104) HHS must report on the availability of information regarding the prescription of opioids after youth sports injury, including information on opioid use and misuse, injury treatments that do not involve opioids, and treatment for opioid addiction. The report must determine the extent this information is available to teenagers and adolescents who play youth sports, their families, youth sports groups, and health care providers. Taking into consideration the findings of the report, HHS may facilitate the development of such information.
(Sec. 105) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require HHS to award grants to states to: (1) streamline state requirements and procedures to assist certain veterans to meet state certification, licensure, and other requirements applicable to civilian health care professions; and (2) develop or expand career pathways at institutions of higher education to support veterans in meeting such requirements.
Timeline
22 Jul 2016
Became Public Law No: 114-198.
Common questions
- What does S. 524 do?
- The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 aims to address the prescription opioid and heroin crisis through various initiatives. It authorizes grants for prevention and education, law enforcement, treatment, and recovery programs. The Act also focuses on specific populations such as women, families, and veterans, and includes provisions related to pain management, drug take-back programs, and medication-assisted treatment. This legislation affects individuals struggling with addiction, their families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and veterans. It seeks to improve access to treatment, educate the public on the dangers of opioid abuse, and support community-based efforts to combat local drug crises. The Act also includes measures to streamline the process for veterans with military medical training to become civilian healthcare professionals. The bill was introduced in 2015 and was enacted into law on July 22, 2016, when it was signed by the President. As an enacted law, its provisions are now in effect, and the relevant government agencies are authorized to implement the programs and grant-making authorities established by the Act.
- Has S. 524 become law?
- Yes. S. 524 has been enacted. Status last updated 22 Jul 2016.
- Who sponsored S. 524?
- S. 524 was sponsored by Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] (D-RI), with 44 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 524?
- Became Public Law No: 114-198. (22 Jul 2016).
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