Res. No. 318

Resolution calling on the Federal Government to mandate basic training in addiction treatment as a requirement for medical schools that receive federal funding.

By Council Members Lee and Gennaro

Whereas, According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths due to drug overdoses hit an all-time high in 2021, and preliminary data suggests that the numbers from 2022 will be even higher; and

Whereas, The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York estimates that there were over 3,000 deaths in New York City due to drug overdoses in the 12 months ending in August 2022; and

Whereas, Many overdoses deaths could have been prevented with proper addiction treatment; and

Whereas, Addiction is a treatable disease; and

Whereas, Addiction is a public health issue and medical professionals play an important role in identifying and treating addiction; and

Whereas, Doctors, including primary care physicians, who do not specialize in addiction treatment are often called upon to diagnose and/or treat substance abuse disorders; and

Whereas, Medical professionals need to be able to recognize the signs of addiction in order to be able to refer patients to addiction specialists when necessary; and

Whereas, There are not enough programs or medical professionals trained in substance abuse to treat all of the individuals that want or need addiction treatment; and

Whereas, Not all medical professionals are aware of the medications that are available to treat addiction; and

Whereas, If they do not receive training on addiction in medical school many medical professionals will never receive any training on how to diagnose or treat substance abuse disorders; and

Whereas, Opioids, and other addictive medications, play an essential role in medical pain management; and

Whereas, Medical professionals need to be trained how to prescribe opioids and other controlled substances appropriately in order to prevent addiction; and

Whereas, Learning about addiction treatment in medical school will better enable doctors to advocate for addiction treatments for their patients; and

Whereas, Teaching about addiction in while they are still students is critical because medical schools is where doctors develop lifelong practice habits; and

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the Federal Government to mandate basic training in addiction treatment as a requirement for medical schools that receive federal funding.

Session 13

LS #12539

01/18/2024

Session 12

LS #12539

03/23/23

EHC