Pa House passes legislation with bipartisan support, expanding access to life-saving addiction treatment in county jails
Rep. Maureen E. Madden May 16, 2025 | 3:11 PM
HARRISBURG, May 16 -- Rep. Maureen Madden today announced the Pennsylvania House passed her legislation that would expand access to a Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program in county jails across the state.
The bill passed the House with broad bipartisan support 192-11.
“Today marks a significant step forward in our fight against the opioid epidemic that continues to devastate communities across Pennsylvania,” said Madden, D-Monroe. “By passing my legislation, we are ensuring that county jails would have the ability to offer all FDA-approved medications, including buprenorphine and its long-acting injectable form, Sublocade. for opioid use disorder. This legislation would remove outdated restrictions and empower local facilities to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to individuals struggling with addiction.”
Currently, Act 80 of 2015, which set up a treatment grant program for county jails to help inmates experiencing substance use disorder, limits county jails to offering only naltrexone (Vivitrol) for MOUD, a medication that requires individuals to undergo detoxification before use. In contrast, buprenorphine and Sublocade can be administered without the need for detox, offering a more accessible and effective treatment option for many individuals.
“The opioid crisis does not discriminate, and neither should our approach to treatment,” Madden said. “By aligning county jail treatment options with those available in state correctional institutions, we are providing a more equitable and effective response to substance use disorders.”
House Bill 561 now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.