House Committee Begins Hearings on Bill to Establish Pilot Program for Remote Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House Behavioral Health Committee today began testimony on House Bill 300, which will establish and fund a pilot program for the remote treatment of opioid use disorder, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth).

The pilot program will be administered through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and operate through fiscal years 2024-25. The bill will appropriate $750,000 each fiscal year to operate the program and provide grant funding for remote medically assisted treatment through licensed opioid treatment programs for individuals with an opioid use disorder.

“The availability of take-home doses reduces the majority of barriers that tend to cause patients to fall out of treatment,” said Ray during sponsor testimony. “We must continue to confront the opioid epidemic and reduce barriers that are keeping Ohioans from seeking treatment. I appreciate the careful consideration on this important issue from the committee.”

The legislation will also establish standards and safeguards for patients, vendors, and clinicians participating in the program.

House Bill 300 will continue to receive hearings in the House Behavioral Health Committee.