Delaware County Review

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Remote Opioid Monitoring Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Troy Balderson and Robin Kelly, has passed the House with an overwhelming majority vote of 386-37. The bill aims to address the ongoing opioid epidemic by directing the federal government to conduct a study on the benefits and effectiveness of remote monitoring technology for patients prescribed opioids.

Ohio, particularly its Appalachian region, has been heavily affected by the opioid crisis, with thousands of lives lost to unintentional opioid overdoses. Representative Balderson emphasized the importance of preventing addiction from the outset and saving lives through remote monitoring. He stated, "Remote monitoring is an invaluable tool for physicians to prevent addiction and ensure the well-being of patients who are prescribed opioids."

The misuse or abuse of opioids often leads patients to turn to illicit drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine when their prescription runs out or when they develop a tolerance. The presence of fentanyl in illicit drugs has further increased the risk of fatal overdoses. In Ohio, illicit fentanyl is now involved in more than 80 percent of drug-overdose deaths.

Medical professionals play a crucial role in intervening and identifying warning signs of addiction. Remote monitoring provides healthcare providers with the ability to track medication adherence, monitor vital signs, and identify trends and problems in physiological functions when patients are no longer under direct supervision.

Jodi Salvo, Director of Substance Use Prevention Services at OhioGuidestone, expressed praise for the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act, stating, "By directing the federal government to undertake a comprehensive study on the benefits and efficacy of remote monitoring, we are embracing innovative solutions that empower healthcare providers to track and safeguard patients prescribed opioids."

Dustin Mets, CEO of CompDrug, a non-profit organization providing addiction and mental health services in Ohio, emphasized the importance of eliminating barriers to accessing treatment and finding innovative solutions. Mets stated, "We won't succeed if we don't eliminate barriers to accessing safe care, have a workforce to serve those individuals seeking care, and work to find innovative solutions. The House's reauthorized SUPPORT Act does all three."

The Remote Opioid Monitoring Act will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration. If passed, the act will require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the remote monitoring of patients prescribed opioids. The study will assess the effectiveness and current use of remote monitoring in federal health care programs and provide recommendations for expanding remote monitoring services within those programs.

The Remote Opioid Monitoring Act represents a crucial step in combatting the opioid epidemic and empowering healthcare providers to better track and protect patients prescribed opioids. As the legislation progresses to the Senate, it is hoped that its innovative approach will gain the necessary support to become a transformative force in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction.

To learn more, click on this link: https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2583