[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 109 (Thursday, June 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND 
               TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 22, 2018

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration of the bill (H.R. 6) to 
     provide for opioid use disorder prevention, recovery, and 
     treatment, and for other purposes:

  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the bipartisan 
legislation, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6). This 
legislation includes several provisions which would improve access to 
health care and treatment services for low-income and at-risk 
Minnesotans.
  In particular, I support allowing nurse practitioners and physician 
assistants to prescribe treatment for opioid use disorder, and 
increasing providers who can prescribe buprenorphine. These policies 
are particularly important for those living with addiction in Greater 
Minnesota and urban areas facing shortages or lack in treatment 
facilities and physicians. The legislation also includes provisions 
that ensure foster and incarcerated youth are covered under Medicaid 
and do not experience gaps in coverage and care.
  I am committed to ensuring prevention and substance use treatment 
programs are properly funded, and all Americans have access to the 
services they need to live a sustainable and healthy life. We need 
solutions to these problems facing some of the most vulnerable 
Americans, and although H.R. 6 doesn't address all the issues we face 
in this crisis, it is a step in the right direction. However, Congress 
must continue to fund programs to support all communities impacted by 
the opioid epidemic.

                          ____________________