WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1131

Public Health - Buprenorphine - Training Grant Program and Workgroup

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Tomlinson and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland funds training grants and creates a workgroup to expand buprenorphine prescribing capacity among healthcare providers to treat opioid use disorder.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 759
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1131

Legislative bill overview

HB 1131 establishes a grant program to train healthcare providers in buprenorphine prescribing and creates a workgroup to develop strategies for expanding access to this medication-assisted treatment. The bill allocates funding to support training initiatives and coordinate efforts across state agencies and stakeholders to increase buprenorphine availability for opioid use disorder treatment.

Why is this important

Buprenorphine is a proven, lower-risk medication for treating opioid addiction, but many providers lack training to prescribe it safely and effectively. Expanding provider capacity directly addresses Maryland's opioid crisis by increasing treatment access, reducing overdose deaths, and improving long-term recovery outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation: Questions about whether grant funding levels are sufficient to meaningfully expand provider training statewide, and how funds will be distributed across regions
  • Provider participation: Concerns about whether doctors and clinics will actually participate in training programs and whether incentives adequately address prescribing barriers
  • Equity and access: Debate over whether training expansion reaches underserved communities equitably, or concentrates in urban/affluent areas with more healthcare infrastructure

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

Sign in to ask a question.