DOMINGUEZ VETS' PTSD DRUG THERAPY BILL ADVANCES

AUSTIN-- Last week, H.B. 1802 by Representative Alex Dominguez (D-Brownsville), was voted out of the Committee on Public Health. The bill directs the Health and Human Services Commission in partnership with the Baylor College of Medicine to conduct a study evaluating the efficacy of certain alternative therapies in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I am thankful that this important piece of legislation was voted out of committee with overwhelming support," said Dominguez. "Every day, veterans across the nation are forced to confront the challenges of PTSD, and many have had little success overcoming those challenges with current available treatments."

Current FDA-approved treatments for PTSD have low efficacy and have been proven ineffective in combatting the epidemic of veteran suicide. Dominguez believes it is time for new approaches to combat the growing mental health epidemic.

"I have seen too many veterans struggle to return to civilian life because of the difficulties caused by post-traumatic stress disorder," Dominguez added. "When it comes to protecting the mental well-being of the men and women who served our nation, all solutions must be considered. Texas has the opportunity to lead the way in the fight against PTSD, and it is up to Texas' leaders to take that opportunity."

Along with conducting a clinical study on the efficacy of psilocybin in treating PTSD in veterans, the Health and Human Services commission will also complete a literature review of the efficacy and safety of 3,4-methylenedioxymenthamphetamine (MDMA) and ketamine. The Health and Human Services Commission will prepare and submit quarterly reports regarding the progress of the study, with the final report due no later than December of 2024.

The bill is now under consideration in the House Calendars Committee.