LSAM submitted a letter in support of SB213, which would which would require that medical necessity determinations related to substance use disorder (SUD) be made in accordance with the ASAM Criteria by certain insurance policies.

ASAM sent a letter urging key legislators to appropriate funding for programs to bolster the addiction treatment workforce.

Various stakeholders, including Kim Brandt, the Principal Deputy Administrator for Policy & Operations at CMS, and Dr. Shawn Ryan, the chair of ASAM's Legislative Advocacy Committee, testified before the Subcommittee on Health of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Dr. Shawn Ryan urges lawmakers to advance bills that would ensure the treatment of addiction is taught, standardized, and covered throughout the United States.

The Bipartisan Opioid Task Force released their 2020 legislative agenda which includes key bills to bolster the addiction treatment workforce.

ASAM Board Member Dr. Anika Alvanzo attended a panel discussion on the opioid epidemic hosted by The Hill. She used the discussion to highlight various pieces of legislation currently under consideration by Congress that would help turn the corner on the opioid overdose epidemic.

Dr. Shawn Ryan appeared before the Kentucky House Committee on Banking and Insurance in support of HB389.

Friends of HRSA sent a letter to legislators urging them to appropriate $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs for FY2021.