Robert E. Wanerman and Basil H. Kim, attorneys in the Health Care and Life Sciences practice, in the firm’s Washington, DC, and New York offices, respectively, authored an article in Law360 titled “Success of Opioid Addiction Bill Would Rely On Funding.” (Read the full version – subscription required.)
Following is an excerpt:
The remedies proposed in CARA update federal drug policy and incorporate a professional consensus on the approaches to treatment. At a hearing on government efforts to combat the opioid abuse epidemic, experts emphasized that a multidimensional public health approach, better provider training, continued education and engagement of community supports have proven to be the most effective treatment for substance use disorders. …
In addition, a group of researchers have suggested that an effective strategy for preventing addiction and reducing opioid-related morbidity and mortality should rely on multiple interventions: a primary intervention (reduction in incidences), secondary interventions (screening after onset but before serious complications), and tertiary interventions (therapeutic and rehabilitative measures). … This approach has also been acknowledged by the secretary of HHS, who noted that the CDC has committed $20 million for states to develop programs designed to track and to develop preventive measures to stem the rate of prescription drug overdoses. …
