STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27653 / HJM013
Suboxone is a drug that alleviates withdrawal symptoms in patients suffering from opioid addiction. This kind
of treatment normalizes brain chemistry and relieves physiological cravings, effectively allowing patients to
focus on recovery and build healthier lifestyles. Suboxone has few adverse side effects and minimal potential
for abuse. Unfortunately, federal law creates barriers for medical practitioners who wish to prescribe Suboxone
(known generically as buprenorphine). This Joint Memorial seeks to remove those barriers so that opioid
treatment drugs can be as readily available as the opioids themselves. The United States Senate, the United
States House of Representatives, and Idaho's Congressional Delegation are requested to amend 21 U.S.C. 823
and other provisions of federal law as necessary to allow widespread access to Suboxone. This Joint Memorial
was crafted with statistics provided by the Idaho Office of Drug Policy to illustrate the urgency of the crisis
relating to opioid overdoses in Idaho and the United States.
FISCAL NOTE
This Memorial has no impact on the General Fund of the State of Idaho because it does not involve the spending
of any money at any local or state level.
Contact:
Representative Jake Ellis
Representative Sue Chew
Representative Mike Kingsley
Senator Lee Heider
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/12/2020, 10:00 AM