Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on July 6, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016

TITLE I--PREVENTION AND EDUCATION

(Sec. 101) This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force to review best practices for pain management developed or adopted by federal agencies. The task force must propose updates to best practices and recommendations for addressing gaps or inconsistencies.

(Sec. 102) HHS must advance education and awareness regarding the risk of abuse of prescription opioids if they are not taken as prescribed. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications and heroin.)

(Sec. 103) The Office of National Drug Control Policy, in coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, may award grants to implement community-wide strategies to address a high rate of, or sudden increase in, opioid or methamphetamine abuse or a sudden increase in opioid-related deaths.

(Sec. 104) HHS must report on the availability of information regarding the prescription of opioids after youth sports injury, including information on opioid use and misuse, injury treatments that do not involve opioids, and treatment for opioid addiction. The report must determine the extent this information is available to teenagers and adolescents who play youth sports, their families, youth sports groups, and health care providers. Taking into consideration the findings of the report, HHS may facilitate the development of such information.

(Sec. 105) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require HHS to award grants to states to: (1) streamline state requirements and procedures to assist certain veterans to meet state certification, licensure, and other requirements applicable to civilian health care professions; and (2) develop or expand career pathways at institutions of higher education to support veterans in meeting such requirements.

(Sec. 106) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to refer new drug applications for opioids to an advisory committee before approval, unless the FDA finds that such a referral is scientifically unnecessary and not in the interest of protecting and promoting public health and the FDA notifies Congress of its rationale.

The FDA must convene an advisory committee on labeling opioids for pediatric use before approving any such labeling.

As part of its evaluation of the Extended-Release/Long-Acting Opioid Analgesics Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, the FDA must develop recommendations regarding education programs for prescribers of opioids.

The FDA must finalize the draft guidance entitled "General Principles for Evaluating the Abuse Deterrence of Generic Solid Oral Opioid Drug Products."

(Sec. 107) HHS must award grants to expand access to drugs or devices approved by the FDA for emergency treatment of opioid overdose (e.g., naloxone). Grant recipients may use the funds to purchase such treatments, establish a program for prescribing such treatments, train health care providers and pharmacists, offset patient cost sharing, and connect patients to treatment.

HHS may provide information to prescribers in federally qualified health centers and Indian Health Service facilities on best practices for prescribing such treatments. The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs may provide such information to prescribers in their medical facilities.

(Sec. 108) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) may intensify and coordinate NIH research into the understanding of pain, therapies for chronic pain, and alternatives to opioids for pain treatments. The prioritization and direction of federally funded pain research must consider recommendations made by the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee.

 (Sec. 109) The grant program for state prescription drug monitoring programs is extended through FY2021 and revised, including to:

 allow grants to be used to maintain and operate existing state prescription drug monitoring programs, require HHS to redistribute any returned funds among the remaining grantees, require a state to provide HHS with aggregate data to enable HHS to evaluate the success of the state's program, and expand the program to include any commonwealth or territory of the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HHS, a state Medicaid program, a state health department, or a state substance abuse agency receiving nonidentifiable information from a prescription drug monitoring database for research purposes may make that information available to other entities for research purposes.

A state receiving a grant must: (1) facilitate prescriber and dispenser use of the state's prescription drug monitoring system, and (2) educate prescribers and dispensers on the benefits of the system both to them and society.

(Sec. 110) HHS must make grants to states that allow standing orders (documents that allow a person to acquire, dispense, or administer a prescription medication without a person-specific prescription) for drugs or devices for emergency treatment of opioid overdose (e.g., naloxone). Grants may be used for:

 implementing strategies for pharmacists to dispense such treatments pursuant to a standing order, encouraging pharmacies to dispense such treatments pursuant to a standing order, developing or providing training materials for prescribers to use in educating the public on administration of such treatments, and educating the public on the availability of such treatments. States must report on pharmacies that dispense such treatments under a standing order.

TITLE II--LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TREATMENT

(Sec. 201) This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to state, local, and tribal governments to provide opioid abuse services, including:

 developing, implementing, or expanding a treatment alternative to incarceration program; enhancing collaboration between criminal justice and substance abuse agencies; developing, implementing, or expanding programs to prevent, treat, or respond to opioid abuse; training first responders to administer opioid overdose treatments; and investigating unlawful opioid distribution activities. This bill amends the Justice Assistance Act of 1984 to eliminate existing authority for DOJ to award grants under the Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Program through FY2021.

The Family-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Program is expanded to include prison-based family treatment programs for pregnant women.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on how federal grant programs address substance use and substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults.

(Sec. 202) HHS must make grants to states, local governmental entities, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to enable first responders and others to administer drugs or devices for emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Grants may be used to make such treatments available, train first responders and others on the use of such treatments, and establish processes to refer individuals receiving treatment to follow-up care.

(Sec. 203) DOJ must coordinate with law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, distributors of prescription medications, and others to expand or make available disposal sites for unwanted prescription medications.

TITLE III--TREATMENT AND RECOVERY

(Sec. 301) HHS must provide support to state substance abuse agencies, units of local government, nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations that have a high rate of, or a rapid increase in, use of opioids to expand treatment of addiction in the areas affected.

(Sec. 302) HHS must award grants to enable recovery community organizations to develop, expand, and enhance substance use disorder recovery services. A recovery community organization is a nonprofit organization governed by people in recovery for substance use disorders that mobilizes resources to increase the prevalence and quality of long-term recovery. (Sec. 303) This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to revise the qualifications required for a practitioner to administer, dispense, or prescribe narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment in an office-based opioid treatment program.

The bill expands qualifying practitioners to include licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have expertise and prescribe medications for opioid use disorder in collaboration with or under the supervision of a qualifying physician if state law requires physician oversight of prescribing authority. Qualifying practitioners must comply with reporting requirements and have the capacity to provide all FDA-approved drugs for opioid use disorder and other ancillary services.

 HHS may change the maximum patient limit for qualifying practitioners.

HHS must update the treatment improvement protocol containing best practice guidelines for the treatment of opioid-dependent patients in office-based settings.

TITLE IV--ADDRESSING COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES

(Sec. 401) The GAO must report on the collateral consequences for individuals with convictions for nonviolent drug-related offenses, including the effect of those consequences on individuals resuming their personal and professional activities and the justifications for imposing those consequences. Collateral consequences are penalties or disadvantages imposed on such individuals by law, an administrative agency, or a court, not including consequences imposed at sentencing.

TITLE V--ADDICTION AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR WOMEN, FAMILIES, AND VETERANS

(Sec. 501) Support for residential substance abuse treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women is expanded to include outpatient treatment and extended through FY2021. Such programs must provide services to the children of participants, including therapeutic, comprehensive child care. Priority for support must be given to programs serving rural areas, health professional shortage areas, or areas with a shortage of family-based substance use disorder treatment options.

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment must carry out a pilot program to make grants to state substance abuse agencies to support services for pregnant and postpartum women who have a primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder, including opioid use disorders. The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality must evaluate the pilot program.

(Sec. 502) DOJ may award grants to state, local, and tribal governments to establish or expand programs for veterans, including veterans treatment courts, peer-to-peer services, and treatment, rehabilitation, legal, or transitional services for incarcerated veterans.

(Sec. 503) This bill amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require the national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse to maintain and disseminate information about requirements and best practices relating to the development of plans of safe care for infants born affected by substance abuse symptoms, withdrawal symptoms, or a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

The plan of safe care for such infants that is required for a state to receive a grant to improve its child protective services system must: (1) address the health and substance use disorder treatment needs of the infant and affected family or caregiver, and (2) specify a system for monitoring whether and in what manner local entities are providing services in accordance with state requirements.

Annual state data reports must include the number of such infants, the number for whom a plan of safe care was developed, and the number for whom referrals are made for services, including services for the affected family or caregiver.

HHS must monitor state compliance with child protective services system grant requirements.

(Sec. 504) The GAO must report on:

 the prevalence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which is the symptoms of withdrawal in a newborn; NAS treatment services for which coverage is available under state Medicaid programs; the care settings and reimbursement for NAS treatment; the prevalence of use of various care settings for NAS treatment under state Medicaid programs; any federal barriers to treating infants with NAS under state Medicaid programs; what is known about best practices for treating infants with NAS; and its recommendations for improvements that will ensure access to NAS treatment under state Medicaid programs. TITLE VI--INCENTIVIZING STATE COMPREHENSIVE INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS PRESCRIPTION OPIOID ABUSE

(Sec. 601) HHS must award grants to establish and implement a comprehensive state and local response to opioid abuse that includes education efforts, a prescription drug monitoring program, prescription drug and opioid addiction treatment programs, and overdose death prevention efforts. HHS must give priority to entities that: (1) provide civil liability protection for first responders, health professionals, or family members who are trained in administering an opioid overdose treatment; (2) enroll incarcerated drug offenders in community-based treatment services prior to reentry; (3) ensure that data from their prescription drug monitoring program can be shared with other states and is regularly updated; and (4) maximize use of prescription drug monitoring programs and ensure programs notify prescribers and dispensers of suspected abuse of controlled substances by patients.

TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 701) Each fiscal year, DOJ's Office of the Inspector General must audit a number of opioid abuse services grant recipients. Grant recipients with unresolved audit findings are not eligible to receive grant funds for two years. Nonprofit organizations that hold money in offshore accounts to avoid tax liability may not receive grant funds.

DOJ and HHS must each enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences or a nonfederal entity to evaluate the effectiveness of grants pertaining to opioid abuse established by this bill. The bill limits expenditures for conferences under these grants.

(Sec. 702) This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow a pharmacist to partially fill a prescription for a schedule II controlled substance (such as an opioid) if: (1) such partial fills are not prohibited by state law, (2) a partial fill is requested by the patient or prescribing practitioner, and (3) the total quantity dispensed in partial fillings does not exceed the quantity prescribed.

(Sec. 703) The GAO must report on the Office of National Drug Control Policy's review of state and local Good Samaritan laws that exempt from criminal or civil liability any individual who administers an opioid overdose reversal drug or device (e.g., naloxone) or who contacts emergency services providers in response to an overdose.

(Sec. 704) This bill amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to authorize prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors to establish a drug management program for beneficiaries at-risk for prescription drug abuse. PDP sponsors with drug management programs must provide to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data on limitations imposed on beneficiaries and data to identify patterns of drug use that may indicate fraudulent, medically unnecessary, or unsafe use.

PDP sponsors must have in place a utilization management tool designed to prevent the abuse and diversion of frequently abused drugs.

Medicare drug integrity contractors (MEDICs) may accept an individual's prescription and necessary medical records from pharmacies, PDPs, and physicians in order to provide information relevant to determining whether the individual is an at-risk beneficiary.

The Inspector General of HHS must study the effectiveness of MEDICs in identifying, combating, and preventing Medicare fraud.

Funds are made available to the Medicare Improvement Fund for services provided during and after FY2021.

(Sec. 705) This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the SSAct to exclude abuse-deterrent prescription drugs from the requirement that manufacturers of single-source or innovator drugs pay additional rebates to state Medicaid programs.

(Sec. 706) Under current law, the CMS must use analytic technologies to identify improper Medicaid claims. The bill prohibits a state agency from using or disclosing such technologies except for purposes of administering a state Medicaid program or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). State agencies must have adequate data security and control policies to ensure that access to such information is restricted to authorized persons for authorized uses.

(Sec. 707) The bill places $5 million in the Medicaid Improvement Fund to be available beginning in FY2021.

TITLE VIII--KINGPIN DESIGNATION IMPROVEMENT

(Sec. 801) This bill amends the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act to allow classified information to be submitted to a reviewing court ex parte (without all parties present) or in camera (in private) in a judicial review of a determination by the President that a foreign person is subject to sanctions as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker.

TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act

Subtitle A--Opioid Therapy and Pain Management

(Sec. 911) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand its Opioid Safety Initiative to include all VA medical facilities.

The VA must direct its health care providers, before initiating opioid therapy, to use the VA's Opioid Therapy Risk Report tool, which must include: (1) information from state prescription drug monitoring programs, (2) a patient's most recent information, and (3) information on controlled substances prescribed to a patient outside the VA.

The VA must establish enhanced standards for urine drug tests before and during opioid therapy to help prevent substance abuse, dependence, and diversion.

The VA must use the Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Management Training Team Program to provide education and training on pain management and safe opioid prescribing practices.

 Each VA medical facility must designate a pain management team of health care professionals to coordinate pain management therapy for patients experiencing pain that is not related to cancer.

VA health care providers to must provide information on prescriptions of controlled substances received by veterans to state prescription drug monitoring programs.

The VA must: (1) maximize the availability to veterans of opioid overdose reversal drugs, such as naloxone; (2) equip each VA pharmacy with such medications for outpatient use; and (3) expand the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution program to ensure that veterans receiving VA health care who are at risk of opioid overdose may access such drugs and training on the proper administration of such drugs.

The VA must modify its patient record system to ensure that health care providers who access a veteran's record will be immediately notified about whether the veteran is receiving opioid therapy, has a history of substance use disorder or overdose, or is at risk of developing an opioid use disorder.

(Sec. 912) The VA and the Department of Defense (DOD) must ensure that the VA/DOD Pain Management Working Group: (1) includes a focus on specified practices, (2) coordinates with other working groups, (3) consults with other federal agencies, and (4) and consults with the VA and DOD regarding proposed updates to the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain.

The VA and DOD must update the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain.

(Sec. 913) The GAO must report on the VA's Opioid Safety Initiative and the opioid prescribing practices of VA health care providers.

The VA must report on opioid therapy and prescription rates for VA patients and notify Congress and investigate if a provider's or facility's prescription rate is inconsistent with safe care standards.

(Sec. 914) The bill makes mandatory the disclosure by the VA of certain information to a state prescription drug monitoring program in order to prevent misuse of prescription medicines by a veteran or dependent.

(Sec. 915) Veterans at high risk of an opioid overdose are exempt from paying a copayment to the VA for opioid overdose treatments. Veterans are exempt from paying a copayment to the VA for education on the use of such treatments.

Subtitle B--Patient Advocacy

(Sec. 921) At least once every 90 days, each VA medical facility must host a public meeting on improving health care furnished by the VA. Community-based VA outpatient clinics must host such meetings at least once every year.

(Sec. 922) Not more than 90 days after enactment of this bill, the VA must display: (1) the purposes of the Patient Advocacy Program and patient advocate contact information at VA medical facilities, and (2) the rights and responsibilities of patients and family members at medical and residential facilities.

(Sec. 923) The GAO must report on the Patient Advocacy Program and include an assessment of staffing, staff training, and awareness and use of the program. (Sec. 924) The Office of Patient Advocacy is established in the VA's Office of the Under Secretary for Health. The office must carry out the Patient Advocacy Program and ensure that patient advocates are trained and advocate on behalf of veterans receiving or seeking health care through the VA.

Subtitle C--Complementary and Integrative Health

(Sec. 931) The bill establishes the Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery Commission or the COVER Commission to examine the evidence-based therapy treatment model used by the VA for treating mental health conditions of veterans and the potential benefits of incorporating complementary and integrative treatments including music, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and sports.

Not more than 90 days after receiving a report from the commission with recommendations, the VA must submit a report that includes: (1) an action plan for implementing recommendations and a time frame for implementing complementary and integrative treatments, and (2) a justification for any determination that a recommendation is not appropriate or feasible and an alternative solution to improve the therapy model.

(Sec. 932) The VA must develop a plan to expand the scope of its research and education on, and delivery and integration of, complementary and integrative health services.

(Sec. 933) The VA must carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using complementary and integrative health and wellness-based services by complementing the provision of pain management and related health care services with such services. In selecting the medical centers for this pilot program, the VA must give priority to centers where the prescription rate of opioids conflicts or is inconsistent with the standards of appropriate and safe care.

Subtitle D--Fitness of Health Care Providers

(Sec. 941) As part of the VA's hiring process for health care providers, the VA must require from each medical board that licensed the provider information on any violation of the license and any settlement agreement for a disciplinary charge relating to the provider's practice of medicine.

(Sec. 942) The VA must provide information on any violation of a medical license by a VA health care provider to each medical board licensing that provider.

(Sec. 943) Not later than 180 days after enactment of this bill, the VA must report on its compliance with its policy to review each health care provider who transfers, resigns, retires, or is terminated to determine whether there are any concerns, complaints, or allegations of violations relating to the medical practice of the provider and take appropriate action.

Subtitle E--Other Matters

(Sec. 951) This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to reduce the aggregate amount of awards and bonuses that may be paid by the VA in each of FY2017-FY2021.

measure amended conference report filed house july summary version repeated comprehensive addiction recovery act title prevention education sec bill requires department_of_health_and_human_services hhs convene pain management best practices inter agency task force review best practices pain management developed adopted federal agencies task force propose updates best practices recommendations addressing gaps inconsistencies sec hhs advance education awareness risk abuse prescription opioids taken prescribed opioids drugs effects similar opium certain pain medications heroin sec office_of_national_drug_control_policy coordination substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration award grants implement community wide strategies address high rate sudden increase opioid methamphetamine abuse sudden increase opioid related deaths sec hhs report availability information prescription opioids youth sports injury including information opioid use misuse injury treatments involve opioids treatment opioid addiction report determine extent information available adolescents play youth sports families youth sports groups health care providers taking consideration findings report hhs facilitate development information sec bill amends public_health_service_act require hhs award grants states streamline state requirements procedures assist certain veterans meet state certification licensure requirements applicable civilian health care professions develop expand career pathways institutions higher education support veterans meeting requirements sec bill amends cosmetic act require food_and_drug_administration fda refer new drug applications opioids advisory committee approval fda finds referral scientifically unnecessary interest protecting promoting public health fda notifies congress rationale fda convene advisory committee labeling opioids pediatric use approving labeling evaluation fda develop recommendations education programs prescribers opioids fda finalize draft guidance entitled general principles evaluating abuse deterrence generic solid oral opioid drug products sec hhs award grants expand access drugs devices approved fda emergency treatment opioid overdose naloxone grant recipients use funds purchase treatments establish program prescribing treatments train health care providers pharmacists offset patient cost sharing connect patients treatment hhs provide information prescribers federally qualified health centers indian_health_service facilities best practices prescribing treatments department_of_defense department_of_veterans_affairs provide information prescribers medical facilities sec national_institutes_of_health nih intensify coordinate nih research understanding pain therapies chronic pain alternatives opioids pain treatments prioritization direction federally funded pain research consider recommendations sec grant program state prescription drug monitoring programs extended fy2021 revised including allow grants maintain operate existing state prescription drug monitoring programs require hhs redistribute returned funds remaining grantees require state provide hhs aggregate data enable hhs evaluate success state program expand program include commonwealth territory united_states drug_enforcement_administration dea hhs state medicaid program state health department state substance abuse agency receiving information prescription drug monitoring database research purposes information available entities research purposes state receiving grant facilitate prescriber dispenser use state prescription drug monitoring system educate prescribers dispensers benefits system society sec hhs grants states allow standing orders documents allow person acquire dispense administer prescription medication person specific prescription drugs devices emergency treatment opioid overdose naloxone grants implementing strategies pharmacists dispense treatments pursuant standing order encouraging pharmacies dispense treatments pursuant standing order developing providing training materials prescribers use educating public administration treatments educating public availability treatments states report pharmacies dispense treatments standing order title law enforcement treatment sec bill amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act authorize department_of_justice doj award grants state local tribal governments provide opioid abuse services including developing implementing expanding treatment alternative incarceration program enhancing collaboration criminal justice substance abuse agencies developing implementing expanding programs prevent treat respond opioid abuse training responders administer opioid overdose treatments investigating unlawful opioid distribution activities bill amends justice assistance act eliminate existing authority doj award grants emergency federal law enforcement assistance program fy2021 expanded include prison based family treatment programs pregnant women government_accountability_office gao report federal grant programs address substance use substance use disorders adolescents young adults sec hhs grants states local governmental entities indian tribes tribal organizations enable responders administer drugs devices emergency treatment opioid overdose grants treatments available train responders use treatments establish processes refer individuals receiving treatment follow care sec doj coordinate law enforcement agencies pharmacies distributors prescription medications expand available disposal sites unwanted prescription medications title iii treatment recovery sec hhs provide support state substance abuse agencies units local government nonprofit organizations indian tribes tribal organizations high rate rapid increase use opioids expand treatment addiction areas affected sec hhs award grants enable recovery community organizations develop expand enhance substance use disorder recovery services recovery community organization nonprofit organization governed people recovery substance use disorders resources increase prevalence quality long term recovery sec bill amends controlled substances act revise qualifications required practitioner administer dispense prescribe narcotic drugs maintenance detoxification treatment office based opioid treatment program bill expands qualifying practitioners include licensed nurse practitioners physician assistants expertise prescribe medications opioid use disorder collaboration supervision qualifying physician state law requires physician oversight prescribing authority qualifying practitioners comply reporting requirements capacity provide fda approved drugs opioid use disorder ancillary services hhs change maximum patient limit qualifying practitioners hhs update treatment improvement protocol containing best practice guidelines treatment opioid dependent patients office based settings title addressing collateral consequences sec gao report collateral consequences individuals convictions nonviolent drug related offenses including effect consequences individuals resuming personal professional activities justifications imposing consequences collateral consequences penalties disadvantages imposed individuals law administrative agency court including consequences imposed sentencing title addiction treatment services women families veterans sec support residential substance abuse treatment programs pregnant postpartum women expanded include outpatient treatment extended fy2021 programs provide services children participants including therapeutic comprehensive child care priority support given programs serving rural areas health professional shortage areas areas shortage family based substance use disorder treatment options center_for_substance_abuse_treatment carry pilot program grants state substance abuse agencies support services pregnant postpartum women primary diagnosis substance use disorder including opioid use disorders quality evaluate pilot program sec doj award grants state local tribal governments establish expand programs veterans including veterans treatment courts peer peer services treatment rehabilitation legal transitional services incarcerated veterans sec bill amends child abuse prevention treatment act require national clearinghouse information relating child abuse maintain disseminate information requirements best practices relating development plans safe care infants born affected substance abuse symptoms withdrawal symptoms fetal alcohol spectrum disorder plan safe care infants required state receive grant improve child protective services system address health substance use disorder treatment needs infant affected family caregiver specify system monitoring manner local entities providing services accordance state requirements annual state data reports include number infants number plan safe care developed number referrals services including services affected family caregiver hhs monitor state compliance child protective services system grant requirements sec gao report prevalence neonatal abstinence syndrome nas symptoms withdrawal newborn nas treatment services coverage available state medicaid programs care settings reimbursement nas treatment prevalence use care settings nas treatment state medicaid programs federal barriers treating infants nas state medicaid programs known best practices treating infants nas recommendations improvements ensure access nas treatment state medicaid programs title incentivizing state comprehensive initiatives address prescription opioid abuse sec hhs award grants establish implement comprehensive state local response opioid abuse includes education efforts prescription drug monitoring program prescription drug opioid addiction treatment programs overdose death prevention efforts hhs priority entities provide civil liability protection responders health professionals family members trained administering opioid overdose treatment enroll incarcerated drug offenders community based treatment services prior reentry ensure data prescription drug monitoring program shared states regularly updated maximize use prescription drug monitoring programs ensure programs notify prescribers dispensers suspected abuse controlled substances patients title vii miscellaneous sec fiscal year doj office_of_the_inspector_general audit number opioid abuse services grant recipients grant recipients unresolved audit findings eligible receive grant funds years nonprofit organizations hold money offshore accounts avoid tax liability receive grant funds doj hhs enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences nonfederal entity evaluate effectiveness grants pertaining opioid abuse established bill bill limits expenditures conferences grants sec bill amends controlled substances act allow pharmacist partially fill prescription schedule controlled substance opioid partial fills prohibited state law partial fill requested patient prescribing practitioner total quantity dispensed partial fillings exceed quantity prescribed sec gao report office_of_national_drug_control_policy review state local good samaritan laws exempt criminal civil liability individual administers opioid overdose reversal drug device naloxone contacts emergency services providers response overdose sec bill amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act ssact authorize prescription drug plan pdp sponsors establish drug management program beneficiaries risk prescription drug abuse pdp sponsors drug management programs provide centers medicare medicaid_services cms data limitations imposed beneficiaries data identify patterns drug use indicate fraudulent medically unnecessary unsafe use pdp sponsors place utilization management tool designed prevent abuse diversion frequently abused drugs medicare drug integrity contractors medics accept individual prescription necessary medical records pharmacies pdps physicians order provide information relevant determining individual risk beneficiary inspector general hhs study effectiveness medics identifying combating preventing medicare fraud funds available medicare_improvement_fund services provided fy2021 sec bill amends title xix medicaid ssact exclude abuse deterrent prescription drugs requirement manufacturers single source innovator drugs pay additional rebates state medicaid programs sec current law cms use analytic technologies identify improper medicaid claims bill prohibits state agency disclosing technologies purposes administering state medicaid program state agencies adequate data security control policies ensure access information restricted authorized persons authorized uses sec bill places million medicaid_improvement_fund available beginning fy2021 title viii designation improvement sec bill amends foreign_narcotics_kingpin_designation_act allow classified information submitted reviewing court parte parties present camera private judicial review determination president foreign person subject sanctions significant foreign narcotics trafficker title department veterans affairs subtitle opioid therapy pain management sec bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs expand include medical facilities direct health care providers initiating opioid therapy use tool include information state prescription drug monitoring programs patient recent information information controlled substances prescribed patient outside establish enhanced standards drug tests opioid therapy help prevent substance abuse dependence diversion use interdisciplinary chronic pain management training team program provide education training pain management safe opioid prescribing practices medical facility designate pain management team health care professionals coordinate pain management therapy patients experiencing pain related cancer health care providers provide information prescriptions controlled substances received veterans state prescription drug monitoring programs maximize availability veterans opioid overdose reversal drugs naloxone equip pharmacy medications outpatient use expand program ensure veterans receiving health care risk opioid overdose access drugs training proper administration drugs modify patient record system ensure health care providers access veteran record immediately notified veteran receiving opioid therapy history substance use disorder overdose risk developing opioid use disorder sec department_of_defense dod ensure includes focus specified practices coordinates working groups consults federal agencies consults dod proposed updates chronic pain dod update chronic pain sec gao report opioid prescribing practices health care providers report opioid therapy prescription rates patients notify congress investigate provider facility prescription rate inconsistent safe care standards sec bill makes mandatory disclosure certain information state prescription drug monitoring program order prevent misuse prescription medicines veteran dependent sec veterans high risk opioid overdose exempt paying copayment opioid overdose treatments veterans exempt paying copayment education use treatments subtitle patient advocacy sec days medical facility host public meeting improving health care furnished community based outpatient clinics host meetings year sec days enactment bill display purposes patient advocacy program patient advocate contact information medical facilities rights responsibilities patients family members medical residential facilities sec gao report patient advocacy program include assessment staffing staff training awareness use program sec established office secretary health office carry patient advocacy program ensure patient advocates trained advocate behalf veterans receiving seeking health care subtitle complementary integrative health sec bill establishes examine evidence based therapy treatment model treating mental health conditions veterans potential benefits incorporating complementary integrative treatments including music acupuncture sports days receiving report commission recommendations submit report includes action plan implementing recommendations time frame implementing complementary integrative treatments justification determination recommendation appropriate feasible alternative solution improve therapy model sec develop plan expand scope research education delivery integration complementary integrative health services sec carry pilot program assess feasibility advisability complementary integrative health wellness based services provision pain management related health care services services selecting medical centers pilot program priority centers prescription rate opioids conflicts inconsistent standards appropriate safe care subtitle fitness health care providers sec hiring process health care providers require medical board licensed provider information violation license settlement agreement disciplinary charge relating provider practice medicine sec provide information violation medical license health care provider medical board licensing provider sec later days enactment bill report compliance policy review health care provider transfers retires terminated determine concerns complaints allegations violations relating medical practice provider appropriate action subtitle matters sec bill amends accountability act reduce aggregate awards bonuses paid fy2017-fy2021


Summary:
Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act of 2015 or the CARERS Act of 2015

Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to provide that control and enforcement provisions of such Act relating to marijuana shall not apply to any person acting in compliance with state law relating to the production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, laboratory testing, or delivery of medical marijuana.

Transfers marijuana from schedule I to schedule II of the CSA.

Excludes "cannabidiol" from the definition of "marijuana" and defines it separately as the substance cannabidiol, as derived from marijuana or the synthetic formulation, that contains not greater than 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on a dry weight basis. Deems marijuana that is grown or processed for purposes of making cannabidiol, in accordance with state law, to meet such concentration limitation unless the Attorney General determines that the state law is not reasonably calculated to comply with such definition.

Prohibits a federal banking regulator from: (1) terminating or limiting the deposit insurance of a depository institution solely because it provides or has provided financial services to a marijuana-related legitimate business; or (2) prohibiting, penalizing, or otherwise discouraging a depository institution from providing financial services to a marijuana-related legitimate business.

Prohibits a federal banking regulator from recommending, motivating, providing incentives, or encouraging a depository institution not to offer financial services to an individual, or to downgrade or cancel financial services offered to an individual, solely because: (1) the individual is a manufacturer of marijuana, (2) the individual is or later becomes an owner or operator of a marijuana-related legitimate business, or (3) the depository institution was not aware that the individual is the owner or operator of a marijuana-related legitimate business.

Prohibits a federal banking regulator from taking any adverse or corrective supervisory action on a loan to an owner or operator of: (1) a marijuana-related legitimate business soley because the owner or operator is such a business, or (2) real estate or equipment that is leased to a marijuana-related legitimate business solely because it is leased to such a business

Provides depository institutions that provide financial services to a marijuana-related legitimate business protection under federal law from federal criminal prosecution or investigation, criminal penalties, and forfeiture of legal interest in collateral solely for providing financial services to such a business.

Directs: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services to terminate the Public Health Service interdisciplinary review process described in the guidance entitled "Guidance on Procedures for the Provision of marijuana for Medical Research" (issued on May 21, 1999), and (2) the Drug Enforcement Administration to issue at least three licenses under CSA registration requirements to manufacture marijuana and marijuana-derivatives for research approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to authorize VA health care providers to provide veterans with recommendations and opinions regarding participation in state marijuana programs.

compassionate access research expansion respect states act act amends controlled substances act csa provide control enforcement provisions act relating marijuana shall apply person acting compliance state law relating production possession distribution dispensation administration laboratory testing delivery medical marijuana transfers marijuana schedule schedule csa excludes cannabidiol definition marijuana defines separately substance cannabidiol derived marijuana synthetic formulation contains greater delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol dry weight basis deems marijuana grown processed purposes making cannabidiol accordance state law meet concentration limitation attorney general determines state law reasonably calculated comply definition prohibits federal banking regulator terminating limiting deposit insurance depository institution solely provides provided financial services marijuana related legitimate business prohibiting penalizing discouraging depository institution providing financial services marijuana related legitimate business prohibits federal banking regulator recommending motivating providing incentives encouraging depository institution offer financial services individual downgrade cancel financial services offered individual solely individual manufacturer marijuana individual later owner operator marijuana related legitimate business depository institution aware individual owner operator marijuana related legitimate business prohibits federal banking regulator taking adverse corrective supervisory action loan owner operator marijuana related legitimate business owner operator business real estate equipment leased marijuana related legitimate business solely leased business provides depository institutions provide financial services marijuana related legitimate business protection federal law federal criminal prosecution investigation criminal penalties forfeiture legal interest collateral solely providing financial services business directs department_of_health_and_human_services terminate public_health_service interdisciplinary review process described guidance entitled guidance procedures provision marijuana issued drug_enforcement_administration issue licenses csa registration requirements manufacture marijuana marijuana derivatives research approved food_and_drug_administration directs department_of_veterans_affairs authorize health care providers provide veterans recommendations opinions participation state marijuana programs


Summary:
Protecting Kids from Candy-Flavored Drugs Act of 2015

 Amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit any person from: (1) manufacturing, creating, distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute a schedule I or II controlled substance that is combined with a candy or beverage product, marketed or packaged to appear similar to a candy or beverage product, or modified by flavoring or coloring to appear similar to a candy or beverage product; or (2) manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the controlled substance will be distributed, dispensed, or sold to a person under 18 years of age. Imposes enhanced criminal penalties for violations.

 Exempts any controlled substance that: (1) has been approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the drug approval process if the contents, marketing, and packaging of the controlled substance have not been altered from the form approved by the Secretary; or (2) has been altered at the direction of a practitioner who is acting for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice.

Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend and review its guidelines and policy statements to ensure that the guidelines provide for a penalty enhancement of not less than two offense levels for a violation of this Act.

protecting kids drugs act amends controlled substances act prohibit person manufacturing creating distributing dispensing possessing intent distribute schedule controlled substance combined candy beverage product marketed packaged appear similar candy beverage product modified flavoring coloring appear similar candy beverage product manufacturing distributing dispensing possessing intent manufacture distribute dispense controlled substance knowing having reasonable cause believe controlled substance distributed dispensed sold person years age imposes enhanced criminal penalties violations exempts controlled substance approved secretary health_and_human_services drug approval process contents marketing packaging controlled substance altered form approved secretary altered direction practitioner acting legitimate medical purpose usual course professional practice directs united_states_sentencing_commission amend review guidelines policy statements ensure guidelines provide penalty enhancement offense levels violation act


Summary:
Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a trade or business that conducts marijuana sales in compliance with state law from the prohibition against allowing business-related tax credits or deductions for expenditures in connection with trafficking in controlled substances.

amends internal revenue code exempt trade business conducts marijuana sales compliance state law prohibition allowing business related tax credits deductions expenditures connection trafficking controlled substances


Summary:
Reclassification to Ensure Smarter and Equal Treatment Act of 2015 or the RESET Act

 Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to reduce penalties (to not greater than a one-year term of imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine) for simple possession of a controlled substance by a person who has one or more prior convictions for a controlled substance offense.

Repeals a provision providing for up to three years' imprisonment for the possession of flunitrazepam. Revises penalties for possession of drugs classified as date rape drugs after a prior drug-related conviction.

Reduces the maximum term of imprisonment (to one year) for the sale, use of the mails to transport, or importation or exportation of drug paraphernalia.

Eliminates provisions of the CSA and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act that apply the same penalties applicable to offenses involving a specified amount of a substance containing cocaine to offenses involving a lesser amount of a substance containing cocaine base.

Amends the CSA to provide that in determining the weight of a controlled substance or mixture of controlled substances that is in a compound with a food product for purposes of provisions concerning controlled substance offenses, the weight of the food product shall not be included.

Makes this Act applicable to any offense committed before its enactment, if a sentence for the offense has not been imposed as of such enactment date. Provides for the reduction of the term of imprisonment of a defendant who was convicted and sentenced before such date for an offense for which the penalty is amended by this Act.

Directs the Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend the federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to any person convicted of an offense affected by this Act.

Establishes within the Department of Justice the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund, which (subject to specified limitations) shall be disbursed as follows by August 15 of each fiscal year beginning in 2016:

 15% to the Department of Education to administer a grant program to public agencies aimed at improving outcomes for public school pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 by reducing truancy and supporting students who are at risk of dropping out or are victims of crime; 10% to the Federal Crime Victim Assistance Fund to make grants to trauma recovery centers to provide services to victims of crime; 25% to Federal Reentry/Drug Court programs to administer a grant program to public agencies aimed at supporting mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system; and 50% to the General Treasury in order to pay down the national debt.

reclassification ensure smarter equal treatment act reset act amends controlled substances act csa reduce penalties greater year term imprisonment fine simple possession controlled substance person prior convictions controlled substance offense repeals provision providing years imprisonment possession flunitrazepam revises penalties possession drugs classified date rape drugs prior drug related conviction reduces maximum term imprisonment year sale use mails transport importation exportation drug eliminates provisions csa controlled_substances_import_and_export_act apply penalties applicable offenses involving specified substance containing cocaine offenses involving lesser substance containing cocaine base amends csa provide determining weight controlled substance mixture controlled substances compound food product purposes provisions concerning controlled substance offenses weight food product shall included makes act applicable offense committed enactment sentence offense imposed enactment date provides reduction term imprisonment defendant convicted sentenced date offense penalty amended act review appropriate amend federal sentencing guidelines policy statements applicable person convicted offense affected act establishes subject specified limitations shall disbursed follows august fiscal year beginning department_of_education administer grant program public agencies aimed improving outcomes public school kindergarten grades reducing truancy supporting students risk victims crime grants trauma recovery centers provide services victims crime programs administer grant program public agencies aimed supporting mental health treatment substance abuse treatment diversion programs people criminal justice system order pay national debt


Summary:
Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances Act of 2015 or the SALTS Act

Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize evidence related to the following factors to be considered in determining whether a controlled substance analogue was intended for human consumption:

 the marketing, advertising, and labeling of the substance; the known efficacy or usefulness of the substance for the marketed, advertised, or labeled purpose; the difference between the price at which the substance is sold and the price at which the substance it is purported to be or advertised as is normally sold; the diversion of the substance from legitimate channels and the clandestine importation, manufacture, or distribution of the substance; and whether the defendant knew or should have known that the substance was intended to be consumed by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other immediate means. Declares that the existence of evidence that a substance was not marketed, advertised, or labeled for human consumption shall not preclude the government from establishing, based on all the evidence, that the substance was intended for human consumption.

labeling toxic substances act salts act amends controlled substances act authorize evidence related following factors considered determining controlled substance analogue intended human consumption marketing advertising labeling substance known efficacy usefulness substance marketed advertised labeled purpose difference price substance sold price substance purported advertised normally sold diversion substance legitimate channels clandestine importation manufacture distribution substance defendant knew known substance intended consumed injection inhalation ingestion immediate means declares existence evidence substance marketed advertised labeled human consumption shall preclude government establishing based evidence substance intended human consumption


Summary:
Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act of 2015

 Amends the Controlled Substances Act to exclude cannabidiol and cannabidiol-rich plants: (1) from the definition of "marihuana," and (2) from treatment as a controlled substance under such Act.

Defines: (1) "cannabidiol-rich plant" to mean the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant with a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis; (2) "cannabidiol" to mean the substance cannabidiol, as derived from a cannabidiol-rich plant; and (3) "tetrahydrocannabinol concentration" to mean the percent of the delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol content per dry weight of any part of the plant Cannabis sativa L. or per volume of weight of marihuana product, or the combined percent of the delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid in any part of the plant Cannabis sativa L., regardless of moisture content.

Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict any activities related to the use, production, or distribution of marihuana in a state in which such activities are legal under state law.

amends controlled substances act exclude cannabidiol cannabidiol rich plants definition marihuana treatment controlled substance act defines cannabidiol rich plant mean plant cannabis sativa plant tetrahydrocannabinol concentration dry weight basis cannabidiol mean substance cannabidiol derived cannabidiol rich plant tetrahydrocannabinol concentration mean percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol content dry weight plant cannabis sativa volume weight marihuana product combined percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol acid plant cannabis sativa regardless moisture content declares act shall construed restrict activities related use production distribution marihuana state activities legal state law


Summary:
Stop Trafficking in Fentanyl Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to modify the drug quantity thresholds that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for a defendant who manufactures, distributes, or possesses with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Specifically, the bill reduces from 400 to 20 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 100 to 5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a 10-year or 20-year mandatory minimum prison term for high-level first-time or repeat offenders. It also reduces from 40 to 2 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 10 to 0.5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a 5-year or 10-year mandatory minimum prison term for low-level first-time or repeat offenders.

stop trafficking bill amends controlled substances act modify drug quantity thresholds trigger mandatory minimum prison term defendant manufactures distributes possesses intent distribute fentanyl specifically bill reduces grams fentanyl quantity grams fentanyl analogue quantity trigger year year mandatory minimum prison term high level time repeat offenders reduces grams fentanyl quantity grams fentanyl analogue quantity trigger year year mandatory minimum prison term low level time repeat offenders


Summary:
Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2015

This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to remove marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols from the list of Schedule I (highabuse potential, no accepted medical use, and severe safety concerns)controlled substances.However, the bill prohibits shipping or transporting marijuana interstate or from any foreign country into a U.S. jurisdiction in which its possession, use, or sale is prohibited.

Additionally, the bill amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate marijuana as a controlled substance under such Act.

bill amends controlled substances act remove marijuana list schedule potential accepted medical use severe safety substances bill prohibits shipping transporting marijuana interstate foreign country jurisdiction possession use sale prohibited additionally bill amends controlled_substances_import_and_export_act eliminate marijuana controlled substance act


Summary:
Meth Exposure to the Home Disclosure Act or the METH Disclosure Act

This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and any other federal agency with knowledge of methamphetamine-based hazards, to promulgate regulations meeting certain criteria for the disclosure of methamphetamine-based hazards in housing (other than newly constructed or never occupied housing) offered for sale or lease.

"Methamphetamine-based hazard" means any condition that causes exposure to any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine that would result in adverse human health effects.

HUD may carry out necessary investigations, and any U.S. district court within the jurisdiction of which one is carried out may issue orders for compliance with it.

The bill prescribes civil money penalties for violations of this Act.

exposure home disclosure act disclosure act bill directs department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud coordination environmental_protection_agency federal agency knowledge methamphetamine based hazards promulgate regulations meeting certain criteria disclosure methamphetamine based hazards housing newly constructed occupied housing offered sale lease methamphetamine based hazard means condition causes exposure hazardous substance pollutant contaminant associated manufacture methamphetamine result adverse human health effects hud carry necessary investigations district court jurisdiction carried issue orders compliance bill prescribes civil money penalties violations act


Summary:
Marijuana Advertising in Legal States Act of 2016 or the MAILS Act

This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to modify the application of a provision that limits advertisements with respect to certain controlled substances.

Currently, it is a crime to knowingly place a written advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, handout, or other publication for the purpose of receiving, buying, or distributing a schedule 1 controlled substance (e.g., marijuana). This legislation declares that the prohibition does not apply with respect to an advertisement for a marijuana-related activity that complies with state law.

legal states act mails act bill amends controlled substances act modify application provision limits advertisements respect certain controlled substances currently crime knowingly place written advertisement newspaper magazine publication purpose receiving buying distributing schedule controlled substance marijuana legislation declares prohibition apply respect advertisement marijuana related activity complies state law


Summary:
Reducing Unused Medications Act of 2016

This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow a pharmacist to partially fill a prescription for a schedule II controlled substance (such as a prescription opioid painkiller) at the request of a prescribing practitioner or patient.

A pharmacist must record the partial filling in the same manner as a full filling, update the record with each partially filled prescription, and notify the prescribing practitioner. The total quantity dispensed in partial fillings must not exceed the total quantity prescribed.

The remaining portion of a partially filled prescription may be filled and must be exhausted prior to, or on the same date that such prescription, if fully filled, would have been exhausted.

reducing unused medications act bill amends controlled substances act allow pharmacist partially fill prescription schedule controlled substance prescription opioid request prescribing practitioner patient pharmacist record partial filling manner filling update record partially filled prescription notify prescribing practitioner total quantity dispensed partial fillings exceed total quantity prescribed remaining portion partially filled prescription filled exhausted prior date prescription fully filled exhausted


Summary: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (which currently is simply authorized) to disclose information about a veteran or dependent to a state controlled substance monitoring program to the extent necessary to prevent misuse and diversion of prescription medicines.

bill requires department_of_veterans_affairs currently simply authorized disclose information veteran dependent state controlled substance monitoring program extent necessary prevent misuse diversion prescription medicines


Summary: This bill makes certain Department of Defense funds for state drug interdiction and counter-drug activities available for obligation or expenditure for at least three fiscal years.

bill makes certain department_of_defense funds state drug interdiction counter drug activities available obligation expenditure fiscal years


Summary:
Kingpin Designation Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act to allow classified information to be submitted to a reviewing court ex parte or in camera in a judicial review of a determination by the President that a foreign person is subject to sanctions as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker.

improvement act bill amends foreign_narcotics_kingpin_designation_act allow classified information submitted reviewing court parte camera judicial review determination president foreign person subject sanctions significant foreign narcotics trafficker


Summary:
Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016

This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to direct the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to register an emergency medical services (EMS) agency as an entity authorized to dispense controlled substances, instead of registering the individual practitioners or medical directors of the agency.

A registered EMS agency must be overseen by one or more medical directors.

The bill specifies that an EMS practitioner who is employed by a registered EMS agency may administer controlled substances under a standing order issued by a medical director. The standing order does not have to be specific to an individual patient. An EMS agency must keep the standing order on file and make it available to the DEA upon request.

act bill amends controlled substances act direct drug_enforcement_administration dea register emergency medical services ems agency entity authorized dispense controlled substances instead registering individual practitioners medical directors agency registered ems agency overseen medical directors bill specifies ems practitioner employed registered ems agency administer controlled substances standing order issued medical director standing order specific individual patient ems agency standing order file available dea request


Summary:
Marijuana Effective Drug Studies Act of 2016 or the MEDS Act

This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to:

 establish, with respect to marijuana research, a new federal registration process that is separate from the process for research involving other schedule I drugs; establish a process for registering persons to manufacture or distribute marijuana for purposes of either research or the commercial production of certain approved drugs containing or derived from marijuana; and modify other requirements related to marijuana research and production.

meds act bill amends controlled substances act establish respect marijuana research new federal registration process separate process research involving schedule drugs establish process registering persons manufacture distribute marijuana purposes research commercial production certain approved drugs containing derived marijuana modify requirements related marijuana research production


Summary:
Expanded Access to Treatment and Recovery Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to enter into cooperative agreements with states to: (1) expand opioid use disorder treatment capacity, (2) make such services more affordable to those who cannot afford them, and (3) help individuals receive treatment and sustain recovery. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin and certain pain medications.)

Funding is allocated to a state based on the severity of the opioid epidemic in the state and the strength of the state's response strategy.

The bill provides funds for these cooperative agreements for FY2017 and FY2018.

bill amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services enter cooperative agreements states expand opioid use disorder treatment capacity services affordable afford help individuals receive treatment sustain recovery opioids drugs effects similar opium heroin certain pain medications funding allocated state based severity opioid epidemic state strength state response strategy bill provides funds cooperative agreements fy2017 fy2018


Summary:
Dangerous Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2016

This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to add certain synthetic opioids, hallucinogens, and cannabinoids to schedule I. (A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that: has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.)

dangerous synthetic drug control act bill amends controlled substances act add certain synthetic opioids schedule schedule controlled substance drug substance chemical high potential abuse currently accepted medical value subject regulatory controls administrative civil criminal penalties controlled substances act


Summary:
Opioid Quota Openness, Transparency, and Awareness Act of 2016 or the Opioid QuOTA Act

This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to require the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to publish on its website certain information with respect to a registered manufacturer’s opioid procurement quota.

It defines the term "opioid procurement quota" as a quota established by the DEA for the quantity of opioid analgesics that a registered manufacturer may procure.

transparency awareness act opioid quota act bill amends controlled substances act require drug_enforcement_administration dea publish website certain information respect registered manufacturer opioid procurement quota defines term opioid procurement quota quota established dea quantity opioid registered manufacturer procure


Summary:
Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act

This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include in the definition of "major illicit drug producing country" a country that is a significant source of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, or fentanyl precursor chemicals. (Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic typically used to relieve pain.)

 The bill requires the international narcotics control strategy report to:

 identify countries that are the most significant exporters of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and fentanyl precursor chemicals; identify countries that are the most significant sources of the diversion of such chemical for illicit uses; and describe the extent to which an identified country has cooperated with the United States to prevent the export of such chemical to the United States. The bill requires the withholding of bilateral and multilateral assistance from an identified country.

The Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 is amended to require the President, as part of the report identifying major drug transit countries, to designate each country that:

 does not utilize specified emergency scheduling procedures for new illicit drugs and other synthetics that are comparable to the procedures used for controlled substances schedules, is incapable of prosecuting criminals for the manufacture or distribution of controlled substance analogues in the same manner that applies to controlled substances, and does not require specified registration of tableting or encapsulating machines.

blocking deadly fentanyl imports act bill amends foreign assistance act include definition major illicit drug producing country country significant source illicit fentanyl fentanyl fentanyl precursor chemicals fentanyl synthetic opioid analgesic typically relieve pain bill requires international narcotics control strategy report identify countries significant exporters illicit fentanyl fentanyl fentanyl precursor chemicals identify countries significant sources diversion chemical illicit uses describe extent identified country cooperated united_states prevent export chemical united_states bill requires withholding bilateral multilateral assistance identified country foreign_relations_authorization_act fiscal year amended require president report identifying major drug transit countries designate country utilize specified emergency scheduling procedures new illicit drugs comparable procedures controlled substances schedules incapable prosecuting criminals manufacture distribution controlled substance manner applies controlled substances require specified registration machines


Summary:
Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act

This bill requires the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services to each evaluate whether cannabidiol, the nonpsychoactive substance derived from marijuana or the synthetic formulation, should be a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. After taking into consideration the evaluations, the DEA must initiate proceedings for classifying cannabidiol as a controlled substance if control is warranted.

The bill expands the authority for: (1) conducting medical research on cannabidiol, and (2) possessing or transporting cannabidiol or any other nonpsychoactive component of marijuana for certain medicinal purposes.

Physicians who are licensed under state law may discuss the potential harms and benefits of cannabidiol or those components of marijuana as a treatment with their patients or the legal guardians of underage patients.

The bill terminates four years after enactment.

bill requires drug_enforcement_administration dea department_of_health_and_human_services evaluate cannabidiol substance derived marijuana synthetic formulation controlled substance controlled substances act taking consideration evaluations dea initiate proceedings classifying cannabidiol controlled substance control warranted bill expands authority conducting medical research cannabidiol possessing transporting cannabidiol component marijuana certain purposes physicians licensed state law discuss potential harms benefits cannabidiol components marijuana treatment patients legal guardians patients bill terminates years enactment


Summary: This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Department of Justice to make grants to state law enforcement agencies to investigate illicit activities, including activities related to: (1) heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil distribution or unlawful prescription opioid distribution; and (2) methamphetamine manufacture or distribution.

bill amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act authorize department_of_justice grants state law enforcement agencies investigate illicit activities including activities related heroin fentanyl distribution unlawful prescription opioid distribution methamphetamine manufacture distribution


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) develop recommendations for evaluation measures and criteria for programs under this Act; and (2) evaluate the feasibility of prize and best practices award programs as tools to promote self-powered farms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an award program for up to 30 state agricultural research programs for self-powered farm demonstrations; (2) provide low-cost revolving loans and loan guarantees to eligible entities for the commercial application of energy or other technologies that will contribute to establishing self-powered farms, with highest preference given to applicants who propose to meet their energy needs from biobased feedstocks or other renewable energy sources produced on that farm; and (3) enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for a review of the programs under this Act.

directs secretary energy enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences develop recommendations evaluation measures criteria programs act evaluate feasibility prize best practices award programs tools promote self powered farms directs secretary establish award program state agricultural research programs self powered farm demonstrations provide low cost revolving loans loan guarantees eligible entities commercial application energy technologies contribute establishing self powered farms highest preference given applicants propose meet energy needs biobased feedstocks renewable energy sources produced farm enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences review programs act


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use up to a specified amount of Federal Crop Insurance Act funds in FY2007 for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project.

authorizes secretary agriculture use specified federal_crop_insurance_act funds fy2007 program integrity purposes including data mining project


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use up to a specified amount of Federal Crop Insurance Act funds in each of FY2007 and FY2008 for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project.

authorizes secretary agriculture use specified federal_crop_insurance_act funds fy2007 fy2008 program integrity purposes including data mining project


Summary: Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to the senior farmers' market nutrition program to: (1) increase program funding for FY2007 and extend funding through FY2012; (2) expand the program to include locally produced farm products as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture; (3) permit up to 10% of program funds to be used for administrative costs; and (4) permit carryover of unused funds.

amends farm_security rural investment act respect senior farmers market nutrition program increase program funding fy2007 extend funding fy2012 expand program include locally produced farm products deemed appropriate secretary agriculture permit program funds administrative costs permit carryover unused funds


Summary: Livestock Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) payments through the 2002 livestock compensation program for qualifying livestock disaster losses due to blizzard and drought in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma; and (2) livestock indemnity payments to producers who have incurred livestock disaster losses in 2006 or 2007, or both, including blizzard and drought losses.

livestock assistance act directs secretary agriculture provide payments livestock compensation program qualifying livestock disaster losses drought colorado kansas nebraska new_mexico oklahoma livestock indemnity payments producers incurred livestock disaster losses including drought losses


Summary: Natural Disaster Relief Act - Defines "hurricane-affected county" as: (1) a county covered by a natural disaster declaration related to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma, or related condition; and (2) a contiguous county. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers (other than sugar cane and sugar beet producers) who have incurred qualifying 2005-2007 crop losses due to weather or related conditions (including crop disease, insects, and delayed harvest) with respect to which a natural disaster declaration has been made. Requires a producer who suffered qualifying losses to elect assistance for only one of such years. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) payments through the 2002 livestock compensation program for livestock disaster losses during calendar years 2005-2007 for losses that occurred prior to of enactment of this Act (including wildfire disaster losses in Texas and other states, and blizzard losses in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma); and (2) livestock indemnity payments to producers who have incurred 2005-2007 livestock disaster losses prior to enactment of this Act (including wildfire disaster losses in Texas and other states, and blizzard losses in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma), including losses due to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, blizzards, and anthrax. Requires a livestock producer who suffered qualifying losses to elect assistance for only one of such years. Directs the Secretary to hire additional county Farm Service Agency personnel to assist in agricultural disaster and economic assistance programs.

natural disaster relief act defines hurricane affected county county covered natural disaster declaration related hurricanes katrina rita wilma related condition contiguous county directs secretary agriculture provide emergency financial assistance eligible agricultural producers sugar cane sugar beet producers incurred qualifying crop losses weather related conditions including crop disease insects delayed harvest respect natural disaster declaration requires producer suffered qualifying losses elect assistance years directs secretary provide payments livestock compensation program livestock disaster losses calendar years losses occurred prior enactment act including wildfire disaster losses texas states losses colorado kansas nebraska new_mexico oklahoma livestock indemnity payments producers incurred livestock disaster losses prior enactment act including wildfire disaster losses texas states losses colorado kansas nebraska new_mexico oklahoma including losses hurricanes floods wildfires blizzards requires livestock producer suffered qualifying losses elect assistance years directs secretary hire additional county farm_service_agency personnel assist agricultural disaster economic assistance programs


Summary: African-American Farmers Benefits Relief Act of 2007 - Provides de novo review for qualifying claims filed under the consolidated class action action lawsuits of Pigford v. Veneman and Brewington v. Veneman.

african american farmers benefits relief_act provides novo review qualifying claims filed consolidated class action action lawsuits


Summary: Spinach Research and Recovery Act of 2007 - Authorizes additional FY2008 appropriations for conducting and supporting applied research to enhance the safety of perishable agricultural commodities for consumers for: (1) the Agricultural Research Service: (2) the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and (3) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments (not to exceed 75% of the value of the unmarketed spinach crop) to growers and first handlers of fresh spinach that were unable to market spinach crops as a result of the Food and Drug Administration Public Health Advisory issued on September 14, 2006.

recovery_act authorizes additional fy2008 appropriations conducting supporting applied research enhance safety perishable agricultural commodities consumers agricultural_research_service extension_service directs secretary agriculture payments exceed value crop growers handlers fresh unable market crops result issued september


Summary: Emergency Farm Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to provide assistance: (1) to producers of specialty crops in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2005 or 2006; (2) to citrus producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2007; (3) to producers of other specialty crops in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2007; (4) to dairy producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2006; and (5) for livestock indemnity payments to producers in disaster counties that incurred losses in 2006 or 2007, or both. Directs the Secretary to make grants to California for an expedited disaster assistance program to qualified small businesses that suffered losses during the 2005, 2006, or 2007 crop year as a result of weather-related agricultural losses to the California specialty crop or livestock production sectors. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to tree or fruit and tree nut producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2005, 2006, or 2007, or any combination of such years. Defines "tree" to include: (1) a tree (including a Christmas tree, ornamental tree, nursery tree, and potted tree); (2) a bush (including a shrub, nursery shrub, nursery bush, ornamental bush, ornamental shrub, potted bush, and potted shrub); and (3) a vine (including a nursery vine and ornamental vine). Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide unemployment assistance and temporary mortgage rental assistance to California agricultural workers (including low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers) who are unemployed due to disasters in 2007. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) food coupons and surplus commodities to such workers; and (2) emergency grants for California low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers who are unemployed due to disasters in 2007. Appropriates additional funds to the Secretary of Commerce for emergency disaster assistance to fishing communities, Indian tribes, and small businesses adversely affected by harvesting restrictions on Klamath River Fall chinook salmon.

emergency farm assistance act directs secretary agriculture secretary provide assistance producers specialty crops disaster counties suffered losses citrus producers disaster counties suffered losses producers specialty crops disaster counties suffered losses dairy producers disaster counties suffered losses livestock indemnity payments producers disaster counties incurred losses directs secretary grants california expedited disaster assistance program qualified small businesses suffered losses crop year result weather related agricultural losses california specialty crop livestock production sectors directs secretary provide assistance tree fruit tree nut producers disaster counties suffered losses combination years defines tree include tree including christmas tree ornamental tree nursery tree tree bush including nursery nursery bush ornamental bush ornamental bush vine including nursery vine ornamental vine directs secretary homeland_security provide unemployment assistance temporary mortgage rental assistance california agricultural workers including low income migrant seasonal farmworkers unemployed disasters directs secretary provide food coupons surplus commodities workers emergency grants california low income migrant seasonal farmworkers unemployed disasters appropriates additional funds secretary commerce emergency disaster assistance fishing communities indian tribes small businesses adversely affected harvesting restrictions chinook salmon


Summary: Open Space and Farmland Preservation Act - Amends the Farm Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to reserve at least 15% of farmland protection program funds for grants to support cooperative efforts by an eligible state agency, county, or other eligible entity to purchase conservation easements and other interests in eligible land, whose title shall be held by an eligible entity rather than the United States. Provides with respect to cost sharing that: (1) the federal share of the purchase price of a conservation easement or other interest in eligible land shall not exceed 25%; and (2) the state agency, county, and other eligible entities involved in the purchase shall each contribute 25% of the purchase price.

open space direct secretary agriculture reserve farmland protection program funds grants support cooperative efforts eligible state agency county eligible entity purchase conservation easements interests eligible land title shall held eligible entity united_states provides respect cost sharing federal share purchase price conservation easement interest eligible land shall exceed state agency county eligible entities involved purchase shall contribute purchase price


Summary: Farming Flexibility Act of 2007 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, with respect to direct and counter-cyclical payments, to: (1) permit a producer to reduce a covered commodity base acreage by electing to plant such acres with fruits or vegetables for processing; (2) require such election to be made annually; and (3) provide that if a farm's base acreage is recalculated, such fruit or vegetable production shall be considered the same as the planning, prevented planting, or production of the covered commodity.

farming flexibility act amends farm security rural investment act respect direct counter cyclical payments permit producer reduce covered commodity base acreage electing plant acres fruits vegetables processing require election annually provide farm base acreage recalculated fruit vegetable production shall considered planning prevented planting production covered commodity


Summary: American Dairy Farmer Protection Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend national dairy market loss payments through September 30, 2012. Increases the maximum payment quantity for all producers on a single dairy operation. Sets the FY2008 minimum price for Class 1 milk under a federal marketing order at $15.58 per hundredweight.

american dairy farmer protection act amends farm security rural investment act extend national dairy market loss payments september increases maximum payment quantity producers single dairy operation sets fy2008 minimum price class milk federal marketing order hundredweight


Summary: Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Specifies Commodity Credit Corporation fund amounts to be used for the Program in each of FY2008-FY2012. Makes the Secretary of Agriculture responsible for specified program administration provisions currently delegated to the President.

amends farm_security rural investment act authorize appropriations fy2012 mcgovern dole international food education child nutrition program specifies commodity_credit_corporation fund amounts program fy2008 fy2012 makes secretary agriculture responsible specified program administration provisions currently delegated president


Summary: Agricultural Business Security Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a retailer of agricultural products and chemicals or a manufacturer, formulator, distributor, or transporter of certain pesticides a business tax credit for 30 percent of costs for or related to the protection of such chemicals or pesticides, including employee security training and background checks, installation of security equipment, and computer network safeguards. Sets a $2 million annual limit on such credit and a per facility limitation of $100,000 (reduced by credits received for the five prior taxable years). Terminates such credit after 2010.

amends internal revenue code allow retailer agricultural products chemicals manufacturer distributor certain pesticides business tax credit percent costs related protection chemicals pesticides including employee security training background checks installation security equipment computer network safeguards sets million annual limit credit facility limitation reduced credits received prior taxable years terminates credit


Summary: Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require offering farmers supplemental crop insurance based on an area yield and loss plan of insurance.

amends federal_crop_insurance_act require offering farmers supplemental crop insurance based area yield loss plan insurance


Summary: Farm Risk Management Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish tax-exempt farm risk management accounts to allow taxpayers engaged in the business of farming or ranching to use distributions from such accounts to offset operational losses in lieu of receiving, after a specified transitional period, federal subsidies to purchase crop insurance; (2) allow a tax deduction for cash contributions to such accounts; (3) specify minimum levels of contributions to, and maximum levels of distributions from, such accounts; (4) require the Secretary of Agriculture to make matching contributions to such accounts; and (5) set forth tax rules relating to account distributions, excess contributions, and prohibited transactions.

farm risk management act amends internal revenue code establish tax exempt farm risk management accounts allow taxpayers engaged business farming ranching use distributions accounts offset operational losses lieu receiving specified transitional period federal subsidies purchase crop insurance allow tax deduction cash contributions accounts specify minimum levels contributions maximum levels distributions accounts require secretary agriculture matching contributions accounts set forth tax rules relating account distributions excess contributions prohibited transactions


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the issuance of tax-exempt small issue bonds to finance the purchase of property or land used primarily for the processing of agricultural products.

amends internal revenue code allow issuance tax exempt small issue bonds finance purchase property land primarily processing agricultural products


Summary: Captive Supply Reform Act - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 respecting livestock producer-packer forward contracts to: (1) require the inclusion of fixed dollar amount base pricing and public bidding; (2) prohibit formula pricing; (3) limit individual contract size; and (4) exclude from the definition of "formula price" futures-based prices and base adjustments resulting from factors outside packer control.

captive supply reform act amends packers stockyards_act respecting livestock producer packer forward contracts require inclusion fixed dollar base pricing public bidding prohibit formula pricing limit individual contract size exclude definition formula price futures based prices base adjustments resulting factors outside packer control