Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act
118th Congress: House Bill No. 4531
Introduced on July 11, 2023
Latest action on December 13, 2023
Goals
Synopsis
aims to support and expand grants and programs for substance use and mental health in communities
bill reauthorizes grants and programs for substance use disorder
incorporates illicit xylazine used in veterinary medicine into controlled substances act
Sponsors
Summary
Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies various grants, programs, and activities that address substance use and misuse.
This includes reauthorizing (1) data collection, education, and surveillance activities; (2) grants and other support for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery; (3) student loan repayment and other programs for the substance use disorder workforce; and (4) programs for addressing trauma, particularly for children, youth, and their families. Generally, the modifications expand programs.
Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to the scheduling of controlled substances, including by incorporating illicit xylazine (a compound used in veterinary medicine as a nonopioid tranquilizer) into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
Further, the bill makes permanent a requirement that Medicaid programs cover medication-assisted treatment for individuals with substance use disorders.