Bill > H4947

This bill aims to provide consistent and evidence-based addiction treatment for individuals in state and county correctional facilities. The key provisions include: 1. Defining "medication for addiction treatment" as clinically appropriate treatment involving FDA-approved medications, provided in accordance with a treatment plan reviewed by a qualified addiction specialist. 2. Requiring correctional facilities to offer all FDA-approved medications for addiction treatment, ensuring that individuals continue or initiate this treatment within 24 hours of admission, unless clinically contraindicated. 3. Prohibiting the denial of medication for addiction treatment based on positive drug screenings or disciplinary infractions, and ensuring consistent access to qualified addiction specialists. 4. Mandating the development of medically appropriate re-entry treatment plans prior to release, including connecting individuals to community-based providers and applying for MassHealth benefits. 5. Establishing reporting requirements to monitor the provision of medication for addiction treatment and associated outcomes, such as treatment retention, substance use, recidivism, and overdose rates. 6. Requiring a prompt assessment and provision of medication for addiction treatment to all incarcerated individuals with substance use-related needs. 7. Repealing a previous law related to medication-assisted treatment in correctional facilities. The overall goal of this bill is to ensure that individuals with substance use disorders receive consistent, evidence-based care while incarcerated and during the transition back into the community.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4947