Committee approves language to let mobile units dispense opioid treatment under waiver process
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Summary
SB 8 41 directs the Board of Pharmacy and DBHDS to develop a waiver process so opioid treatment programs can seek permission to dispense medications from mobile units; the subcommittee adopted a friendly amendment and reported the bill to Appropriations.
Senator Vavola introduced Senate Bill 8 41, a one‑section measure directing the Board of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), to implement a process allowing opioid treatment programs to apply for waivers to dispense opioid use disorder medications from mobile units.
The sponsor said the recommendation came from the Joint Commission on Healthcare and described mobile dispensing as a tool to reach more people quickly and ‘‘keep individuals alive.’’ During committee questions, Delegate O'Rourke proposed adding the word ‘‘may’’ to give the agency discretion before implementation; the sponsor supported the suggestion as a friendly amendment. The amendment was accepted and the committee then moved to report the bill.
No public opposition was recorded. The subcommittee voted to report SB 8 41, as amended, to Appropriations; the clerk recorded the bill as reported by a vote of 8 to 0.
The bill will proceed to Appropriations for fiscal review.