AMA: CARA good first step; need more resources to fight opioid crisis

The American Medical Association (AMA) expressed support today for congressional passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

"The AMA supports efforts to confront the opioid and prescription drug epidemic through meaningful legislation so physicians who are on the front line have the ability to best meet patient needs," said Dr. Patrice Harris, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees and chair of the AMA Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse. "This legislation represents an important step in addressing the public health epidemic of opioid misuse, but it will not be fully realized without new resources to support these programs and policies. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers, advocates, physicians and other health care professionals on efforts to prevent addiction and provide treatment for those suffering from substance use disorders."