S. 690: Overdose Response Action Data for Actionable Reforms Act

This bill, known as the Overdose Response Action Data for Actionable Reforms Act, aims to tackle the opioid crisis, particularly focusing on issues related to fentanyl and other opioid-related overdoses. Below is a summary of the key provisions of the bill:

Accurate Data on Opioid-Related Overdoses

The bill allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to states, territories, and localities. These grants will support efforts to enhance data collection and surveillance related to opioid overdoses. This includes:

• Improving postmortem toxicology testing.
• Linking data across various systems to enable comprehensive tracking of fatalities and nonfatal incidents.
• Enhancing electronic death reporting systems.

Office of National Drug Control Policy Reform

This section expresses the idea that the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy should be a Cabinet-level position to enhance leadership in tackling drug issues. The Office must:

• Document strategies to prevent duplication in services and funding among drug control agencies.
• Collaborate with health statistics and forensic laboratories to standardize data reporting.
• Issue guidance on classifying overdose deaths based on available evidence.

State Opioid Response Grants

The bill proposes amendments to existing grant frameworks to require a thorough assessment of the challenges states face in addressing opioid misuse. It also suggests providing best practices for utilizing the grant funds.

Wastewater Pilot Program

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will establish a pilot program over three years to analyze wastewater from treatment facilities. This analysis aims to detect the prevalence of illicit substances, particularly fentanyl and others, in communities served by these facilities.

Grants for Reducing Opioid Overdose Deaths

The bill includes provisions for utilizing grant funds for both prescribing and administering medications aimed at reducing opioid overdoses. It also authorizes appropriations to support these efforts.

Grants for Reducing Opioid Overdose Deaths in Schools

New grants will be available for administering emergency treatments for opioid overdoses at public and private elementary and secondary schools. Eligible entities must:

• Implement a program permitting trained personnel to administer life-saving drugs in case of overdoses.
• Maintain an adequate supply of emergency medications on-site.
• Ensure trained personnel are available during school hours.

Fentanyl Test Strips

The bill amends existing regulations to explicitly include fentanyl test strips, enabling them to be utilized in efforts to detect and prevent overdoses from fentanyl-laced substances.

Relevant Companies

• NVO - Novo Nordisk, which manufactures medications for pain management that might be prescribed in the context of opioid use.
• PFE - Pfizer, which develops pharmaceutical products related to pain relief and addiction treatment.
• ENDP - Endo International, which produces opioid medications and might be directly affected by changes in opioid prescription regulations.