U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) last week unveiled two bills that aim to help thwart the opioid epidemic during the ongoing public health crisis.
“Suicide, mental illness, and opioid overdoses are on the rise as our nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rep. Latta said. “The social repercussions of COVID-19 have caused significant stress and anxiety in our communities, and we must do what we can to provide assistance to our constituents.”
The first bill, the Creating Resources to Improve Situations of Inherent Severity (CRISIS) Act, H.R. 1001, would authorize a set-aside for crisis care services.
“Currently, there aren’t programs for states to turn to that will help them implement comprehensive crisis services. Use of crisis facilities and interventions have already saved hospital emergency departments an estimated $37 million in avoided costs,” said Rep. Latta. “The CRISIS Act helps ameliorate this problem. My bill would provide much needed resources to improve access to mental health services for people who need them.”
If enacted, the CRISIS Act would direct states to utilize funds from the Community Mental Health Service Block Grant for crisis care services and improve care to an individual experiencing a psychiatric episode, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Latta’s office. Crisis care services include call centers that coordinate and connect people experiencing a mental health crisis and their families to behavioral health services in real time; 24/7 mobile crisis services offering outreach, support and referrals to appropriate care; and stabilization programs offering acute or sub-acute care in a hospital or facility for individuals who need observation.
The second bill, the Debarment Enforcement of Bad Actor Registrants (DEBAR) Act, H.R. 1002, would permit the Attorney General to prohibit any person from being registered under the Controlled Substances Act to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance or a list I chemical if the Attorney General finds that such person has a suspended or revoked registration, and has a history of prior suspensions or revocations of registration.
“As we are working to stop the opioid epidemic and continue our efforts to help the people most impacted by this crisis, there is more to be done to ensure people who shouldn’t be able to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance are not doing so,” Rep. Latta said. “The DEBAR Act prohibits bad actors from registering for a controlled substance to help stop the illegal flow of opioids across our country.”