Bill > SB35

This bill amends California health regulations to improve oversight and transparency in alcohol and drug recovery facilities and recovery residences. It requires the State Department of Public Health to initiate investigations into allegations of unlicensed facilities within 10 days and complete those investigations within 60 days, with provisions for extending the timeline if additional resources or inter-agency assistance is needed. The bill mandates that if an unlicensed facility is found operating, the department must issue a written notice specifying a date by which the facility must cease services, with potential civil penalties of $2,000 per day for continued operation. Additionally, the bill introduces new reporting requirements: by July 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, certified programs and licensed facilities must report all money transfers with recovery residences to help detect potential patient brokering, kickbacks, or unethical practices. The department is also required to analyze these transfers and develop guidelines for permissible and impermissible financial exchanges. For counties administering the Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, the bill allows county behavioral health agencies to request site visits of recovery residences under certain circumstances, enhancing local oversight of these facilities.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB35