Local law enforcement groups throw support behind Turner heroin treatment bill

Law enforcement groups voiced support on Monday for legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) to give local authorities flexibility and tools to address the nation’s heroin epidemic.

Turner introduced the Reforming and Expanding Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act, H.R. 4076, as an amendment to the Social Security Act. The bipartisan amendment would provide more flexibility in how federal funding can be used to combat drug abuse.

The Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association and the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) both voiced support for the bill in letters to Turner.

“The heroin epidemic continues to grow in communities across the country, and the TREAT Act will help those who need it most,” Turner said. “The support from both the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association and Ohio HIDTA underline the importance of the policies that would be enacted through the TREAT Act. Ohio’s law enforcement professionals are on the front lines battling the heroin epidemic, and I appreciate their support for this commonsense legislation.” 

Currently, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration doesn’t allow grants from its Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to fund services for incarcerated individuals. Turner’s bill would reverse that and allow those grants to support services in community and institutional treatment programs.

“If counties were reimbursed for the programs and treatment of individuals jail space would be freed-up for the hardened criminals,” Robert Cornwell, the executive director of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, wrote. “A Medicaid program is available to addicted individuals prior to incarceration and should be available while incarcerated. The continuum of care for addicted individuals is paramount to the success for becoming ‘Drug Free.’”

Turner’s bill would also reverse Medicaid’s current Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion that states facilities with more than 16 beds aren’t eligible for reimbursement. The exclusion prevents treatment for incarcerated individuals who would otherwise be eligible for Medicaid.

“I fully support H.R. 4076 (TREAT Act) and the access it provides for treatment to those who are incarcerated,” an HIDTA representative wrote. “I truly believe this will help our jails, communities and those who have addiction issues. This may be the step in preventing further use and potential death to those who are incarcerated.”