Governor Charlie Baker last Tuesday unveiled HB4033, “An Act Relative to Combatting Addiction, Accessing Treatment, Reducing Prescriptions, and Enhancing Prevention (CARE Act)” – his second major bill since taking office that addresses the opioid crisis.
Last Thursday, the MHA Board of Trustees, after being briefed on the bill from MHA staff, voted unanimously to support the legislation. In particular, the board offered praise for the provisions of the governor’s proposal that would increase access to treatment for substance use disorder, create additional tools to prevent opioid misuse, and expand education and intervention efforts. They asked MHA staff to work with the administration and legislature to implement the provisions in an effective manner.
MHA President & CEO Steve Walsh said, “We commend Governor Baker for his continued focus on addressing the insidious opioid epidemic in our commonwealth. We're committed to working collaboratively with the Baker Administration and legislature on policy solutions. And the hospital community will continue its many ongoing efforts at the local level to battle against substance use disorder and addiction.”