Rep. Ted Budd Introduces Bipartisan Expansion of Substance Abuse Treatment

Press Release

Today, Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) joined David McKinley P.E. (R-WV), David Cicilline (D-RI), and David Trone (D-MD) to introduce the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act.

The legislation would increase access to telehealth services for addiction treatment by permanently allowing the prescribing of Medication Assisted Therapies (MAT) and other necessary drugs without needing a prior in-person visit. It also makes permanent the ability to bill Medicare for audio-only telehealth services.

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

The bill is supported by: American Society for Addiction Medicine, American College of Medical Toxicology, Kennedy Forum, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, National Association of Behavioral Health, National Safety Council, Shatterproof, and Well Being Trust.

Rep. Budd said in a statement:

"We should make it as easy as possible for those who struggle with substance abuse to get the help they need. Data has shown that overdoses have spiked nationally in March, April, and May during pandemic-related lockdowns. Especially during COVID-19, cutting out regulatory barriers to treatment should be a national priority, and I'm proud to support a bill like the TREATS Act that does just that."

Rep. McKinley said:

"Overdoses are on the rise across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress should be making it easier to access treatment and the TREATS Act does just that. This bill would make it easier for those in both rural and urban areas to access vital addiction treatments. As we know substance abuse disorders do not discriminate based on location and patients should not have to choose between getting treatment and risking their health and safety to do so."

Rep. Cicilline said:

"Telehealth services are critical for folks struggling through the cycle of addiction right now. Opioid abuse is still a leading cause of death for Rhode Islanders. This bill will help ensure that folks who need help can get it."

Rep. Trone said:

"People with substance use disorder have been put at particular risk during this pandemic. The telehealth waivers implemented for COVID-19 are innovations long-needed by people seeking treatment or in recovery. The TREATS Act will allow us to make these life-saving addiction policies permanent. I want to thank my colleagues for working in a bipartisan way on this bill that will help save lives across the country."

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