H.R. 6283: Furthering Opioid Services, Training, and Education Resources Act

This bill, known as the Furthering Opioid Services, Training, and Education Resources Act (FOSTER Act), aims to amend the 21st Century Cures Act to provide support for state and local agencies that deal with opioid abuse, particularly in relation to children and caregivers. The main elements of the bill are as follows:

1. Opioid Grants

The bill proposes to expand the types of services eligible for funding under existing opioid grants. It specifically focuses on supporting:

• State and local agencies in implementing opioid abuse prevention and treatment services.
• Caregiving services for children and families affected by opioid abuse, including kinship care families.
• Workforce recruitment and training for caregivers and those supporting families.
• Health care services relevant to opioid treatment.
• Recruitment and training for foster and adoptive parents.

2. Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions to clarify terms related to caregiving:

• Kinship Care Family: A family that includes a kinship caregiver.
• Kinship Caregiver: A relative of a child, by blood, marriage, or adoption, who lives with the child and provides primary care because the biological or adoptive parent is unable or unwilling to do so.

3. Funding Authorization

The bill addresses funding for opioid services by authorizing $255 million for each of the fiscal years from 2028 through 2033. This is in addition to any previously authorized amounts, indicating a commitment to ongoing financial support for these initiatives.

4. Set Aside Provisions

The bill modifies existing provisions regarding the allocation of funds, ensuring that a minimum of 1 percent of the appropriated amount is specifically allocated to carry out the new provisions aimed at supporting opioid abuse prevention and treatment services for children and caregivers.

5. Intended Outcome

The intended outcome of the FOSTER Act is to enhance the capacity of state and local agencies to respond to the opioid crisis, particularly in safeguarding and supporting children and families impacted by opioid abuse. This includes increasing the availability of trained caregivers and health services targeted at prevention and treatment.

Relevant Companies

• AMGN (Amgen Inc.): As a biotechnology company that develops medications for various health conditions, Amgen may be affected by increased funding and focus on opioid treatment services, potentially leading to new collaborations or demand for related healthcare products.
• PFE (Pfizer Inc.): Pfizer, which produces a range of pharmaceuticals, including pain management medications, could see implications in expanded treatment options or partnerships stemming from increased opioids management initiatives.
• JNJ (Johnson & Johnson): With its involvement in pharmaceuticals and health services, Johnson & Johnson may be impacted by shifts in the market related to opioid treatments and prevention efforts guided by the bill's provisions.