COSAM Supports Legislation Expanding Harm Reduction and Access to SUD Treatment

On February 20th, the Colorado Society of Addiction Medicine (COSAM) sent a letter of support for HB24-1037 and HB24-1045 to the House Committee on Health and Human Services ahead of a scheduled hearing. Specifically, HB24-1037 would strengthen harm reduction provisions in state law while HB24-1045 would expand access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in Colorado.

In the letter, COSAM noted that HB24-1037 would bolster statewide harm reduction efforts by expanding Good Samaritan laws for the distribution of naloxone. Further, the bill would exempt individuals from prosecution for the possession of materials distributed from syringe service programs. Meanwhile, HB24-1045 would expand access to SUD treatment by prohibiting insurance carriers from imposing prior authorization on FDA-approved medications for SUD based solely on the dosage amount. Additionally, it allows pharmacists practicing under collaborative practice agreements to receive reimbursement for prescribing or administering medications for SUD. In sum, COSAM praised both bills for containing provisions to expand access to evidence-based treatment for SUD and save lives.

Read the letter here.