Bill > HB1066

This bill requires the Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access to establish a new workgroup focused on improving health, social, and economic outcomes related to substance use. The workgroup will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of substance use treatment and recovery support services, examining their availability, affordability, and accessibility, as well as analyzing the impact of criminal justice involvement on individuals with substance use disorders. Specifically, the workgroup will review data on how many individuals are directed to treatment by the criminal justice system, assess health outcomes for voluntary versus mandated treatment, evaluate the impact of substance use-related criminal justice policies on individuals and communities, and examine the cost and equity of current approaches. Additionally, the workgroup will review the Department's regulations on patient discharge from substance use treatment programs, with a focus on how these standards consider a patient's mental health and substance use disorder diagnosis. The bill requires the workgroup to make recommendations for mitigating the harm related to substance use criminalization and improving patient discharge practices, with the ultimate goal of enhancing public health and safety. The workgroup must meet at least twice a year and submit an annual report to the Commission and Behavioral Health Advisory Council, beginning in July 2024. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1066?ys=2025RS