Staff: settlements nearing completion; federal shifts may reduce funding for fentanyl test strips

Chris provided the board an update on state settlement and program developments, saying the office is “getting close to wrapping up a handful of the settlements with secondary manufacturing defendants as well as, Purdue,” and that staff are “pushing to get those wrapped up” so settlement funds can begin to flow in the coming weeks or months.

He warned that federal funding priorities are shifting and that “fentanyl test strips are likely are going to have less federal funding,” so staff expect future grant opportunities may incorporate testing or related requests differently. Chris also referenced a school naloxone program that was enacted as part of recent legislation and said he would provide the bill number for the minutes; staff confirmed the number as 2534 in the meeting.

Krista summarized themes from a recent National Association of State Health Policy convening of settlement administrators—evaluation and performance measurement, safeguarding funds amid funding cuts, and balancing short-term needs with long-term systems change were among the main takeaways. She said states are increasingly focused on how to evaluate outcomes and extend the life of settlement funds.

Chris said procedural barriers that have delayed settlements are resolving and that final filings might happen by the end of next month or possibly extend into July, depending on remaining steps. The board did not take formal action on settlements during the meeting; staff said they will update the board as filings and fund disbursements progress.