Legislature funds study to expand MAT services in jails

An AWC legislative priority for the 2020 session was to secure statewide funding to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services in city and regional jails.

In order to properly fund this program, it is imperative that policymakers have a clear understanding of costs. AWC took an important first step this session by securing $50,000 to fund a MAT study. This study will provide us with data that will allow us to communicate fiscal needs, develop a scalable model for implementing MAT, and identify potential policy changes we can address during the 2021 session.

The final study is due November 2020.

City priorities – Outcomes

The Legislature:

PRO: Appropriated funding for a study to develop a scalable model to implement MAT in city and regional jail facilities. Report due in November 2020.

PRO: Passed HB 2642 prohibiting insurers from requiring prior authorization for residential substance use disorder treatment services or withdrawal management services.

PRO: Passed SB 6086 allowing a pharmacy’s license of location to be extended to a registered remote dispensing site to dispense medications for opioid use disorder.

CON: Failed to pass HB 2438 imposing an impact fee on opioid manufacturers to fund treatment and prevention of opioid misuse and abuse.