Opioid Commission’s Blueprint To Fighting Crisis Focuses On Drug Courts, Tighter Prescribing Requirements
Stat gets an exclusive look at the plan that will be unveiled Wednesday. In other news, drugmakers are under pressure from a new coalition that's seeking information on how these companies are responding to the increased business risks caused by the opioid crisis.
Stat:
Trump Opioid Commission Will Recommend Nationwide Drug Courts
President Trump’s commission on combating the opioid epidemic plans to encourage the federal government to establish drug courts in every federal judicial district, adjust reimbursement rates for addiction treatment, and streamline federal funding used by state and local governments to implement drug treatment and prevention programs, according to a draft of the panel’s final report. Those steps are among the 53 recommendations laid out in the draft, a copy of which was obtained by STAT. The final report is set to be released on Wednesday. (Facher, 10/30)
Stat:
Investor Groups Pressure Drug Makers And Wholesalers Over Opioids
A coalition of 30 state treasurers, pension funds, and faith-based groups are filing shareholder proposals asking 10 drug makers and distributors to investigate how these companies are responding to the increased business risks caused by the opioid crisis. In announcing their plans, the coalition noted that drug makers are coming under increasing “legal and legislative scrutiny” for allegedly failing to disclose the addictive potential of opioid painkillers, and that distributors are being pressured to do a better job of reporting suspicious orders to state and federal authorities. (Silverman, 10/30)