Bill > SB548

This bill aims to address the significant issue of overdose deaths and addiction in California by establishing a comprehensive strategy to reduce alcohol- and drug-related addiction deaths by 50% by 2033. The California Health and Human Services Agency will be required to convene a diverse state advisory group, including representatives from various state departments, healthcare providers, substance use disorder experts, and individuals with lived experiences. By January 1, 2028, this group will create a five-year implementation plan with recommendations for reducing overdose deaths, focusing on improving access to addiction treatment, evaluating existing health coverage policies, and considering factors like healthcare parity, low-barrier care models, and disparate health outcomes across different demographic groups. The bill requires the agency to review scientific, medical, and socioeconomic information, assess treatment practices, and establish minimum standards for substance use disorder services. Additionally, the agency must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2033, detailing the progress toward the goal, the effectiveness of recommendations, and strategies for continuing to reduce overdose deaths beyond 2033. The bill highlights the urgent nature of the problem, noting that in 2023, more than 11,000 Californians died from fentanyl and other overdoses, with excessive alcohol use causing nearly 20,000 additional deaths.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB548