GAO releases McConnell-requested study about government's response to the opioid epidemic; future steps recommended-HEALTHYLIVE

The Government Accountability Office released a study today about how the federal government is addressing the opioid crisis. The study was requested by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)

"The government’s chief watchdog recommends that as the Department of Health and Human Services expands access to medication-assisted treatment, it should also develop clear measures to gauge performance," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "This GAO study will help to ensure that dollars are spent wisely to fight the crisis of opioid abuse taking lives in communities across the country. The announcement of GAO’s conclusions will help us as we continue to build a comprehensive approach to combating heroin and prescription drug abuse."

Medication-assisted treatment is a combination of behavioral therapy combined with medication such as methadone and buprenorphine to manage addiction. The report found that HHS has implemented five key steps in expanding access to MAT for opioid users since 2015, but many who need MAT still don't have access to it, especially in rural areas. In addition to recommending that HHS create and implement performance measurements, the report recommends that the agency should establish timeframes for when it will evaluate efforts to expand MAT.

"This is another step in the right direction. As government officials review this morning’s report and as agencies develop new plans to fulfill its objectives, I will continue working with partners in Washington and Kentucky to address this important crisis — so we can one day finally put the pain of opioid abuse behind us, once and for all," McConnell said.

from Kentucky Health News http://ift.tt/2z3HsGn

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