President Trump Signs HALT Fentanyl Act into Law
Impact Score: 3
Timeline: Effective immediately upon enactment, as of July 16, 2025
Summary: The HALT Fentanyl Act was signed into law on July 16, 2025, permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This move targets drug smugglers and cartels and reinforces efforts against the fentanyl epidemic. It poses challenges for research institutions like Vanderbilt University due to increased regulatory scrutiny and impacts on access to controlled substances for legitimate study.
Key Actions: Vanderbilt University Medical Center should enhance opioid addiction treatment programs; the Department of Public Health to collaborate on studying public health impacts; the Law School to analyze legal implications; and the Center for Addiction Research to pursue expanded funding. Opportunities include developing specialized nursing training, public awareness campaigns, and hosting policy dialogues on opioid crisis solutions.
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