House passes mental health and SUD package with pharmacists’ input

The U.S. House of Representative has passed a broad bipartisan mental health and substance use disorder package known as the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R. 7666).

Included in this bill was language, long supported by APhA, that was originally found in the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act (H.R. 1384). The legislation removes the requirement for certain health professionals to apply for and receive an X-waiver from DEA to prescribe buprenorphine. Because pharmacists are not eligible to apply for this waiver, this requirement prevented them from providing lifesaving treatment to patients across the country.

APhA, along with over 100 other organizations, signed onto a support letter to help get this measure passed. This is a huge win for pharmacists and the patients they serve.