Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites Act; HANDS Act
Summary
The Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites Act (HANDS Act) aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths by providing no-cost coverage for preventive opioid overdose reversal drugs like naloxone. It amends titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act and title 10, United States Code, to ensure coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. The bill mandates that these drugs be furnished by healthcare professionals in hospitals, critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, or ambulatory surgical centers to individuals deemed at risk for an opioid overdose upon discharge.
Expected Effects
The HANDS Act will increase access to life-saving opioid overdose reversal drugs by removing cost barriers for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. This increased access is expected to reduce opioid overdose fatalities. The Act also directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on safe dispensing and billing practices, respectively.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to naloxone for at-risk individuals.
- Reduced financial burden for patients needing opioid overdose reversal drugs.
- Potential decrease in opioid overdose fatalities.
- Improved public health outcomes related to opioid addiction.
- Guidance for healthcare providers on safe dispensing and billing practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs to the government through Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
- Possible administrative burden for hospitals and healthcare providers.
- Risk of misuse or diversion of naloxone if not properly managed.
- The Act does not address the root causes of opioid addiction.
- Reliance on healthcare professionals to identify at-risk individuals, which may lead to inconsistencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The HANDS Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to tax and spend to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Act's provisions relating to Medicare and Medicaid fall under Congress's authority to regulate healthcare and provide for public health. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).