Bill > S3950

This bill revises licensure requirements for residential substance use disorders (SUD) treatment facilities by introducing several new regulatory measures. The bill requires applicants for licensure to submit a financial audit conducted by an independent, certified public accountant chosen by the Department of Health, with the applicant bearing the audit costs. If the audit reveals questionable business practices, the department can deny the license. Additionally, each owner and principal of the facility must undergo a criminal history background check and be fingerprinted, with the applicant covering these expenses. The department can deny licensure if the background check reveals a conviction involving dishonesty or fraud. The bill also authorizes the Department of Health to exchange fingerprint data with state and federal law enforcement agencies and mandates that the Division of State Police notify the department if an individual with a previous background check is subsequently convicted of a crime. Furthermore, the department is required to conduct periodic unannounced inspections of residential SUD treatment facilities. The bill defines key terms such as "principal" as an individual or entity with at least a 5% ownership interest in the facility, and empowers the Commissioner of Health to adopt necessary regulations to implement these new requirements.