West Virginia Senator Mike Maroney has clarified his proposed bill that would make certain opioid treatment programs illegal as “another form of drug dealing.” The bill aims to regulate treatment programs that provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using drugs like methadone or buprenorphine.
According to Sen. Maroney, some treatment providers are exploiting the system by overprescribing these medications and not requiring patients to participate in counseling or other forms of therapy. He believes that these programs are simply substituting one drug for another without addressing the root causes of addiction.
The bill would restrict MAT programs to those that are certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine or accredited by the Joint Commission. It would also require patients to undergo counseling and other forms of therapy as part of their treatment.
Supporters of the bill say that it is necessary to crack down on unethical treatment providers who are exploiting vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction. They argue that these programs are not effectively treating the underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse.
However, critics of the bill argue that it could limit access to life-saving treatment for individuals in need. They believe that MAT programs have been proven to be an effective form of treatment for opioid addiction and that restricting access to these programs could do more harm than good.
The bill is currently being considered by the West Virginia legislature, where it has sparked heated debate among lawmakers, treatment providers, and advocacy groups. Ultimately, the goal of the bill is to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that addresses their physical, mental, and emotional needs.
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