U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson Proudly Serving Ohio's 12th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson Proudly Serving Ohio's 12th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON D.C. – Representatives Troy Balderson of Ohio and Robin Kelly of Illinois have reintroduced the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act, aimed at assisting healthcare providers in managing opioid prescriptions and reducing abuse. The proposed legislation instructs the federal government to examine the benefits and effectiveness of remote monitoring technology, enabling healthcare providers to keep track of patients on opioid prescriptions and ensure their welfare.
“The opioid epidemic has devastated communities and families in Ohio and across the country,” said Balderson. “To combat this crisis, we must allow doctors to intervene early and prevent prescription abuse and misuse from the outset. This legislation empowers health care professionals to oversee their patients' treatment and monitor how they respond to prescribed medication.”
Kelly added, “We need to better understand how to leverage current technologies to combat our country's tragic opioid epidemic. I'm proud to lead this legislation, which will bring us closer to overcoming the challenges of substance use faced by so many Americans. With better research and understanding through remote monitoring, we can ensure prescription opioids are used safely.”
In 2023, opioid-related deaths reached 105,007 Americans, including 4,452 in Ohio from unintentional overdoses. The initial encounter with opioids for many originates from prescriptions. As a result, some develop an addiction, regardless of whether opioids are used correctly or misused.
Experts have identified enhancing prescription monitoring as vital in addressing the opioid epidemic. Early detection of concerning behavior during a prescription course enables healthcare professionals to act quickly.
The proposed Remote Opioid Monitoring Act mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to study remote monitoring of patients with opioid prescriptions. The review will evaluate how effective these programs are, their common usage, and how existing federal healthcare programs might be improved.
The legislation previously cleared the House with a vote of 386-37 as part of the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, to aid in fighting substance abuse.
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