S.1036 - Improving Access to Addiction Medicine Providers Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1036, the "Improving Access to Addiction Medicine Providers Act," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. It seeks to authorize fellowships under the Minority Fellowship Program for professionals training in addiction medicine. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely increase the number of addiction medicine professionals, particularly among minority groups. This could lead to improved access to addiction treatment services. It would also broaden the scope of the Minority Fellowship Program to include addiction medicine.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to addiction medicine providers, particularly in underserved communities.
- Enhanced training opportunities for minority professionals in the addiction medicine field.
- Potential reduction in health disparities related to addiction treatment.
- Strengthened workforce capacity to address the addiction crisis.
- Improved diagnosis and treatment of addiction-related issues.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending on fellowships.
- Limited scope; the bill focuses solely on addiction medicine and may not address other healthcare needs.
- Possible administrative challenges in implementing the fellowship program.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the availability of qualified candidates and training programs.
- May not address the root causes of addiction or broader systemic issues.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes public health by addressing addiction, a significant societal problem. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to health and welfare, as implied by Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States.
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).