Senators discuss amendments to Nevada's Senate Bill 300 for opioid treatment funding
May 31, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on May 31, 2025, to discuss critical legislative matters, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 300, which aims to enhance mental health services in Nevada. The meeting highlighted the need for legislative action to include certified professional counselors (CPCs) and licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselors (LADCs) in state law, aligning with federal recognition of these professions.
The discussion began with a presentation on the necessity of expanding mental health resources, particularly in response to the opioid crisis. A representative emphasized the importance of including CPCs and LADCs in the bill, noting that their involvement is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of adolescents and those struggling with addiction. The proposed amendment to the bill, which was supported by Senator Dondero Loop, aims to facilitate better treatment options for individuals dealing with opioid addiction.
Anne Jensen from Nevada Medicaid provided an overview of the fiscal implications of the bill, detailing the funding sources and projected costs. The fiscal note indicated that the state share would come from both the general fund and a hospital tax, with specific figures outlined for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Jensen confirmed that these costs were not included in the governor's executive budget but aligned with the bill's appropriations.
Several stakeholders voiced their support for Senate Bill 300 during public testimony. Sarah Adler from the Nevada Opioid Treatment Association highlighted that Nevada has the lowest reimbursement rates for medication-assisted treatment in the nation, which hampers providers' ability to treat Medicaid enrollees effectively. She cited a 2017 study showing significant cost savings for Medicaid when recipients receive appropriate treatment.
Dr. Keith Swanson, medical director of the Life Change Center, underscored the chronic nature of addiction and the necessity for comprehensive treatment teams. He pointed out that the reimbursement rates for Medicaid have not been adjusted in 45 years, stressing that the passage of this bill would enable clinics to expand services and improve care for those in need.
Michelle Maese, president of SEIU Local 1107, and other representatives from various organizations echoed the call for support, emphasizing the bill's importance for children and families requiring mental health services.
The meeting concluded without any immediate resolutions, but the discussions underscored a collective commitment to advancing mental health care in Nevada. The committee will continue to review the bill and its implications for the state's healthcare system, with further actions anticipated in the coming sessions.
The discussion began with a presentation on the necessity of expanding mental health resources, particularly in response to the opioid crisis. A representative emphasized the importance of including CPCs and LADCs in the bill, noting that their involvement is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of adolescents and those struggling with addiction. The proposed amendment to the bill, which was supported by Senator Dondero Loop, aims to facilitate better treatment options for individuals dealing with opioid addiction.
Anne Jensen from Nevada Medicaid provided an overview of the fiscal implications of the bill, detailing the funding sources and projected costs. The fiscal note indicated that the state share would come from both the general fund and a hospital tax, with specific figures outlined for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Jensen confirmed that these costs were not included in the governor's executive budget but aligned with the bill's appropriations.
Several stakeholders voiced their support for Senate Bill 300 during public testimony. Sarah Adler from the Nevada Opioid Treatment Association highlighted that Nevada has the lowest reimbursement rates for medication-assisted treatment in the nation, which hampers providers' ability to treat Medicaid enrollees effectively. She cited a 2017 study showing significant cost savings for Medicaid when recipients receive appropriate treatment.
Dr. Keith Swanson, medical director of the Life Change Center, underscored the chronic nature of addiction and the necessity for comprehensive treatment teams. He pointed out that the reimbursement rates for Medicaid have not been adjusted in 45 years, stressing that the passage of this bill would enable clinics to expand services and improve care for those in need.
Michelle Maese, president of SEIU Local 1107, and other representatives from various organizations echoed the call for support, emphasizing the bill's importance for children and families requiring mental health services.
The meeting concluded without any immediate resolutions, but the discussions underscored a collective commitment to advancing mental health care in Nevada. The committee will continue to review the bill and its implications for the state's healthcare system, with further actions anticipated in the coming sessions.
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