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SB 119

AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- AUTHORIZATION FOR THE USE OF BUPRENORPHINE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Paolino and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill authorizes buprenorphine use for opioid addiction treatment, expanding medication-assisted therapy access to combat overdose deaths.

03/18/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 119

Legislative bill overview

SB 119 authorizes the use of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, within Rhode Island's regulatory framework. The bill appears to expand or clarify prescribing authority and accessibility for this FDA-approved opioid addiction treatment. This falls within broader efforts to address the opioid crisis through medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Why is this important

Buprenorphine is a cornerstone medication for treating opioid addiction, offering a safer alternative to methadone with lower overdose risk and abuse potential. Expanding access to buprenorphine can reduce overdose deaths, improve treatment retention rates, and decrease incarceration related to substance use. Rhode Island has been significantly impacted by the opioid epidemic, making treatment access a public health priority.

Potential points of contention

  • Prescriber scope expansion: May conflict with existing licensing requirements or concerns about inadequate provider training in addiction medicine
  • Oversight and safety monitoring: Questions about how the state will monitor prescribing practices to prevent misuse or diversion while maximizing access
  • Insurance and cost coverage: Unclear whether the bill addresses affordability and insurance coverage, potentially limiting actual patient access despite authorization

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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