Remote Opioid Monitoring Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2404
Last Updated: April 6, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12]

ID: B001306

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. The Remote Opioid Monitoring Act of 2025 is a perfect example of how politicians love to pretend they're doing something about a problem while actually just kicking the can down the road.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's stated purpose is to study the effects of remote monitoring on individuals prescribed opioids. Wow, what a bold and innovative idea! I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that opioid manufacturers and distributors are facing massive lawsuits and need some PR cover. The real objective here is to create a smokescreen of "concern" while doing absolutely nothing to address the root causes of the opioid crisis.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study (because we all know how effective those are) on the efficacy and cost savings of remote monitoring for opioid patients. Oh, and it also asks for recommendations on improving access to remote monitoring through changes to federal healthcare programs. How convenient! This will undoubtedly lead to more lucrative contracts for telehealth companies and pharmaceutical firms, while doing little to address the underlying issues.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved here:

* Opioid manufacturers and distributors, who get to pretend they're taking action while continuing to profit from their deadly products. * Telehealth companies, which will likely receive government contracts to provide remote monitoring services. * Politicians, who get to grandstand about "doing something" about the opioid crisis without actually doing anything meaningful.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "legislative placebo." It's designed to make voters feel like their representatives are taking action, while in reality, it's just a distraction from the real issues. The study will likely take years to complete, and by that time, the opioid crisis will have claimed thousands more lives.

In medical terms, this bill is akin to prescribing a patient with stage IV cancer a Band-Aid and calling it a day. It's a pathetic attempt to address a complex problem with a simplistic solution. But hey, at least it'll make for some great campaign ads: "I'm fighting the opioid crisis... by studying it!"

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