H.R.4030 - Treatment Continuity Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.4030, the Treatment Continuity Act of 2025, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. It focuses on addressing substance use disorder and serious mental illness treatment needs through long-acting injectable medications. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement these changes.
Expected Effects
The bill would expand the scope of Section 509 of the Public Health Service Act to include serious mental illness alongside substance use disorders. This expansion includes providing access to long-acting injectable medications, lab testing, supportive counseling, and training on the use of these medications.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to treatment for substance use disorders and serious mental illnesses.
- Enhanced support services, including lab testing and counseling.
- Training programs for healthcare professionals on administering long-acting injectable medications.
- Increased focus on regional and national treatment needs.
- Annual reports to Congress to ensure program accountability and effectiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased healthcare costs associated with long-acting injectable medications.
- Possible side effects or adverse reactions to the medications.
- Risk of over-reliance on medication as the primary treatment method, neglecting other therapeutic approaches.
- Limited scope focusing primarily on medication, potentially overlooking other critical aspects of mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
- The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on proper implementation and oversight by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of citizens by addressing substance use disorders and serious mental illnesses. The bill falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States through enacting laws related to public health.
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).