Amendment #11, as changed to H4743

substance use disorder and treatment disparities in the minority community

Mr. Ramos of Springfield moves to amend the bill by inserting after section 20 the following section:-

SECTION 20A. (a) The bureau of substance addiction services within the department of public health shall review and study the disparate impacts and disparities of substance use disorder, overdoses, overdose deaths and clinical outcomes for members of historically marginalized communities, including, but not limited to, impacts based on race, ethnicity, language, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and other social determinants of health identified by the bureau.

(b) The bureau shall: (i) review current data and trends regarding substance use and overdose rates, disparities in treatment access and corresponding causes within historically marginalized communities; (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of current treatment interventions within historically marginalized communities; (iii) identify barriers to accessing treatment, including, but not limited to, access to necessary resources, education and access to appropriate care and interventions; and (iv) identify evidence-based strategies to reduce overdose deaths and improve access, treatment and education within historically marginalized communities.

(c) Not later than June 30, 2025, the bureau shall submit a report of its findings and any recommendations, including any legislative or regulatory changes that may be necessary to carry out any recommendations, to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the joint committee on racial equity, civil rights, and inclusion.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #11, as changed to H4743

substance use disorder and treatment disparities in the minority community