On June 4, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, by a vote of 366-57. Originally enacted in 2018, the SUPPORT Act authorized funding for community-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery programs, many of which expired in 2023. Notably, the bill includes language from the MATE Improvement Act (S.946), which designates the AGD as an approved provider of the mandatory continuing education for providers of certain controlled substances. This marks an important step in reauthorizing the SUPPORT Act and ensuring AGD's recognition in its continuing education provisions.

H.R. 2483 will now move to the Senate for consideration. The full bill passed by the House can be viewed here.

Impact on General Dentistry: While research indicates a decline in opioid prescriptions by dentists, they still account for approximately 8.6% of all opioid prescriptions nationwide. The AGD has continued to advocate for the passage of the SUPPORT Act and remains committed to educating general dentists on opioid addiction, responsible prescribing practices, and alternative approaches to pain management.