Congressman Ryan Introduces Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act 2.0 to Combat Opioid Epidemic

Statement

Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) introduced the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 with Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ann Kuster (D-NH), and Tom MacArthur (R-NH). Congressman Ryan was a leader in the passage of CARA, which was signed into law in 2015, and provided a bipartisan, comprehensive response to the prescription drug and heroin epidemic. CARA 2.0 builds on this effort and will authorize approximately $1 billion in new funding to fight the opioid war and increases criminal penalties on manufacturers that don't report suspicious orders or keep proper diversion protocols in place. In addition, it provides enhanced first responder training and funds the expansion of specialized courts to treat our nation's ill-served Veterans. This bill serves as the House companion to bipartisan legislation recently introduced by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

"As Co-Chair of the Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus, I understand the damage the opioid epidemic causes in neighborhoods in every zip code each and every day. In my state of Ohio, fatal drug overdoses have been the leading cause of accidental death since 2007. Heroin and opiate addiction is destroying lives, disrupting families, and destabilizing communities. It is imperative that we work to stem this tide. CARA 2.0 will provide a number of new resources for treatment and law enforcement, as well as an additional $6 billion in funding to our communities. I am proud to be a part of this bipartisan legislation," said Ryan.

"The opioid epidemic is devastating families and communities in New Hampshire and across the country," said Kuster. "This isn't a partisan issue; both Republicans and Democrats recognize the need for a comprehensive response that matches the seriousness of this emergency. The legislation we're introducing today will help to direct critical resources to those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic and boost innovative, creative programs that will help tackle this crisis."

"The opioid epidemic has been tearing apart communities in Tennessee for well over a decade," said Blackburn. "President Trump recently declared a national health emergency and it is time for Republicans and Democrats in Congress to follow suit. My heart breaks for families that have lost loved ones because of the opioid scourge. CARA 2.0 will provide an onslaught of resources in addition to the $6 billion of new opioid funding for prevention and law enforcement services that I both fought and voted for as part of the budget agreement President Trump signed into law last February. I'm pleased to have bipartisan cosponsors and to once again be working with my colleagues in the House and Senate."

"The opioid crisis is devastating communities and families across the United States at an alarming rate. More than 174 Americans die as a result of overdose every day. As co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, I've heard countless stories from those who have lost loved ones because of substance abuse. Congress must do more to help our communities. This bipartisan legislation will provide critical resources to combat this epidemic and I'm grateful members of both parties have come together to support it," said MacArthur.

CARA 2.0 Policy Changes:

Three day limit on initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Makes permanent Section 303 of CARA which allows physician assistants and nurse practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine under the direction of a qualified physician.
Allows states to waive the limit on the number of patients a physician can treat with buprenorphine so long as they follow evidence-based guidelines. There is currently a cap of 100 patients per physician.
Require physicians and pharmacists use their state PDMP upon prescribing or dispensing opioids.
Increases civil and criminal penalties for opioid manufacturers that fail to report suspicious orders for opioids or fail to maintain effective controls against diversion of opioids.
Creates a national standard for recovery residence to ensure quality housing for individuals in long-term recovery.
CARA 2.0 Authorization Levels:

$10 million to fund a National Education Campaign on the dangers of prescription opioid misuse, heroin, and lethal fentanyl.
$300 million to expand first responder training and access to naloxone.
$300 million to expand evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
$20 million to expand Veterans Treatment Courts.
$100 million to expand treatment for pregnant and postpartum women, including facilities that allow children to reside with their mothers.
$60 million to help states develop an Infant Plan of Safe Care to assist states, hospitals and social services to report, track and assist newborns exposed to substances and their families.
$10 million for a National Youth Recovery Initiative to develop, support, and maintain youth recovery support services.