STRONGER Act

Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment: Under Section 2(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) and Section 2(a)(4)(D), programs are permitted to use any type of medication or biological product approved to treat substance use disorders. This could benefit individuals by giving them access to evidence-based medical treatments during their care.

Staff Training on Addiction Science: Under Section 2(a)(3)(E), which adds section 1902(g) to the act, chief medical officers and appropriate staff in prisons or jails must complete training on the science of addiction, withdrawal management, and treatment strategies. This might improve the quality of care provided by facility officials.

Continuity of Care After Release: Under Section 2(a)(3)(E), which adds section 1902(h) to the act, any entity receiving federal funds for medication-assisted treatment must affiliate with a provider who can prescribe medications and discuss treatment options after a patient is released. This can help individuals maintain their treatment progress when they return to the community.

Availability for Pre-Trial Detainees: Under Section 2(a)(4)(A), which amends section 1904(c), jail-based substance use disorder treatment programs may be made available to individuals who are awaiting trial or in pre-trial detention, as well as those serving a sentence. This allows a broader group of people in local jails to access treatment services.

Training and Administrative Burdens: Under Section 2(a)(3)(E), adding section 1902(g), facilities must ensure that key medical staff complete specific and detailed training to remain eligible for funds. If facilities struggle to meet these educational mandates, it could potentially impact their funding or ability to run the programs.

Provider Affiliation Mandates: Under Section 2(a)(3)(E), adding section 1902(h), funded entities must maintain an affiliation with an outside provider who can prescribe medications and discuss alternatives post-release. Entities that face challenges partnering with external community providers might experience administrative hurdles in complying with this requirement.