Brown urges lawmakers: Label drug abuse chronic illness

Gov. Kate Brown testified Tuesday before the Oregon House Committee on Health Care to present her Opioid Epidemic Task Force 2019 legislative package, House Bill 2257. Among other provisions, the legislation declares substance use disorder to be a chronic illness in Oregon.

“We must destigmatize addiction once and for all,” Brown said. “The next leap forward is to state with finality that Oregonians consider substance use disorder to be a medical problem that requires a medical solution. Oregonians suffering with substance use disorder deserve our best and this comprehensive bill is an important step in the right direction.”

In addition to the chronic illness declaration, House Bill 2257 would provide immediate access to treatment by prohibiting public payers, such as the Oregon Health Plan, from requiring prior authorization for the first 30 days of treatment; craft new accreditation standards recognizing that medical needs require a medical response; and expand proven programming that applies a multi-generational approach to treatment.

The governor’s testimony is available here.