Who’s policing opioid settlement spending? A crowdsourced database might help.

State attorneys general have been successful in winning billions of dollars in opioid settlements from drug companies accused of contributing to the addiction crisis. Despite their victories, concerns have arisen regarding how the settlement funds are being utilized. Many individuals affected by the overdose crisis, along with recovery and harm reduction advocates, believe that the money is not being adequately safeguarded, and there is a fear that state legislators may divert the funds to address budget shortfalls instead of using them for their intended purposes.

In response to these concerns, two research and advocacy organizations, the Opioid Policy Institute and Popular Democracy, have launched a crowdsourced database to identify potential instances of misuse of opioid settlement funds. The database allows members of the public to submit cases of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of the funds, which are then reviewed and posted with relevant details. The initiative aims to prompt attorneys general to investigate these cases and ensure that the money is being used effectively.

The database currently includes about 150 examples of potential misuse, such as funds being allocated to unrelated projects like road and bridge departments or county jails. The goal is to hold elected officials accountable and prevent the settlement money from being used inappropriately. By highlighting instances of misuse, the database aims to encourage attorneys general to take a more active role in overseeing the spending of the settlement funds.

While some states have specific processes in place for reporting misuse of opioid settlement funds, many lack clear guidelines on how to address complaints. The initiative hopes to push attorneys general to enforce standards for the proper use of the funds and ensure that they are being allocated to initiatives related to the opioid crisis.

Overall, the focus is on ensuring that the opioid settlement funds are used responsibly to help those who are still struggling with addiction. By raising awareness of potential misuse and encouraging oversight by attorneys general, the initiative aims to make a positive impact in addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic.