Having Overdose Protection Equipment Act; HOPE Act
Summary
The "Having Overdose Protection Equipment Act" (HOPE Act) aims to amend the 21st Century Cures Act. It clarifies that State and Tribal grants for opioid use disorders can be used for activities related to public access opioid overdose reversal kits. The bill defines a "public access opioid overdose reversal kit" as one including overdose reversal medication and instructions.
Expected Effects
The HOPE Act will broaden the scope of allowable uses for State and Tribal grants related to opioid use disorders. This will increase access to opioid overdose reversal kits. It will likely lead to a reduction in overdose fatalities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased availability of opioid overdose reversal kits.
- Potential reduction in opioid overdose deaths.
- Clarification of allowable uses for existing grant funds.
- Support for State and Tribal efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
- Improved public health outcomes related to opioid overdoses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse or diversion of overdose reversal kits.
- Costs associated with acquiring and maintaining the kits.
- Limited impact if not accompanied by broader prevention and treatment efforts.
- Possible unintended consequences related to the distribution of these kits.
- Over-reliance on reversal kits instead of addressing root causes of addiction.
Constitutional Alignment
The HOPE Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the provision to "promote the general Welfare." Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to allocate funds for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).