National Director of Policy and Advocacy Cindy Steinberg will speak at a Sept. 20 public meeting at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). At this meeting, CMS is slated to present its Action Plan to address the opioid crisis and pain management, called for in Section 6032 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act passed by Congress in 2018.

Congress directed CMS to review its coverage and payment policies to determine whether they have resulted in incentives or disincentives that have contributed to the opioid crisis. Experts from the federal government, advocacy communities, the research, treatment, clinical, and medical industry will share key information, with opportunities for public input.

Steinberg will speak on a panel, “Personal Perspectives on Pain and Substance Use Disorders,” at 1:30 pm EST. The full agenda can be found here.