WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, chaired by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA), today continued its hearing series examining the growing problem of prescription drug and opioid abuse. Members discussed the issue with federal officials to learn what they are doing to combat the epidemic and explore how federal policies can better support efforts to develop new and promising treatments.
Subcommittee Chairman Murphy said, “Over the past five weeks this Subcommittee has heard from opioid addiction experts working within local communities and our leading academic and research centers. Today, we turn to the federal agencies charged with providing guidance, direction, and leadership in our Nation’s public health response to the opioid epidemic. We can do better."
Full Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) added, “To take on the enormous challenge posed by the opioid abuse epidemic, we need to be unified and find common ground. I am ready to work with my colleagues on the committee on both sides of the aisle, the president, Secretary Burwell, and the rest of the administration to produce positive results in fighting this epidemic for the American people."
Witnesses detailed their efforts at the federal level and expressed commitment to working together to combat the epidemic:
Michael Botticelli, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy:
“The Administration has coordinated a Government-wide response to this epidemic, significantly bolstered support for medication-assisted opioid treatment and overdose prevention, and pursued action against criminal organizations trafficking in opioid drugs. … We are committed partners, working to reduce the prevalence of substance use disorders through prevention, increasing access to treatment, and helping individuals recover from the disease of addiction."
Dr. Richard Frank, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at HHS:
“Secretary Burwell’s initiative is directly addressing the threat posed by opioids to the health of the American public…We are focused on two clear outcomes: (1) reducing opioid overdoses and overdose-related mortality and (2) decreasing the prevalence of opioid use disorder…The Secretary’s initiative includes actions in three priority areas to combat opioid abuse: Opioid prescribing practices to reduce opioid use disorders and overdose, expanded use and distribution of naloxone, expansion of Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) to reduce opioid use disorders and overdose."
Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse at the NIH:
“NIDA first launched its prescription drug abuse public health initiative in 2001 using evidence-based strategies to (1) enhance our understanding of pain and its management;
(2) prevent overdose deaths; and (3) effectively treat opioid use disorders…NIDA will continue its close collaborations … to address the ongoing challenge posed by abuse of prescription and non-prescription opioids in this country."
Dr. Douglas Throckmorton, Deputy Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA:
“Given the complexity of this issue, real and enduring progress will require a multi-faceted approach combined with the dedication, persistence, and full engagement of all parties. We welcome the opportunity to work with Congress, our Federal partners, the medical community, advocacy organizations, and the multitude of interested communities and families to turn the tide on this devastating epidemic."
Dr. Debra Houry, Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC:
“CDC is working to reverse the prescription drug overdose epidemic by focusing on three areas … The first is to protect the public’s health by tracking overdose and prescribing trends … The second is to strengthen state efforts by helping states to scale up effective strategies to combat the epidemic. The third is to supply healthcare providers with the data, tools, and guidance needed to improve patient safety, including through appropriate prescribing of opioids….CDC is committed to tracking and understanding the epidemic, supporting states working on the front lines of this crisis, and providing healthcare providers with the data, tools, and guidance they need to ensure safe patient care."
Dr. Pamela Hyde, Administrator oat the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
“SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. SAMHSA strives to create awareness that: behavioral health is essential for health; prevention works; treatment is effective; and people recover from mental and substance use disorders."
Dr. Patrick Conway, Deputy Administrator for Innovation and Quality & CMS Chief Medical Officer:
“CMS is dedicated to providing the best possible care to beneficiaries while also ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent on medically appropriate care. CMS has broadened its focus from ensuring beneficiaries have access to prescribed drugs to ensuring that Part D sponsors and State Medicaid programs implement effective safeguards and provide coverage for drug therapies that meet standards for safety and efficacy. Although there is still work that needs to be done, CMS is confident that our initiatives will help to reduce the rate of opioid addiction and overdoses in both Medicare and Medicaid."
