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Bill > SB909
PA SB909
PA SB909In powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for regulatory flexibility during opioid epidemic.
summary
Introduced
07/08/2025
07/08/2025
In Committee
07/08/2025
07/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), entitled "An act providing for and reorganizing the conduct of the executive and administrative work of the Commonwealth by the Executive Department thereof and the administrative departments, boards, commissions, and officers thereof, including the boards of trustees of State Normal Schools, or Teachers Colleges; abolishing, creating, reorganizing or authorizing the reorganization of certain administrative departments, boards, and commissions; defining the powers and duties of the Governor and other executive and administrative officers, and of the several administrative departments, boards, commissions, and officers; fixing the salaries of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and certain other executive and administrative officers; providing for the appointment of certain administrative officers, and of all deputies and other assistants and employes in certain departments, boards, and commissions; providing for judicial administration; and prescribing the manner in which the number and compensation of the deputies and all other assistants and employes of certain departments, boards and commissions shall be determined," in powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for regulatory flexibility during opioid epidemic.
AI Summary
This bill proposes changes to regulations governing drug and alcohol treatment programs during an opioid epidemic, specifically focusing on providing more flexibility in staffing requirements. The bill defines an "opioid epidemic" as a public health crisis where there are more than 1,000 confirmed opioid overdose deaths for at least three consecutive years in Pennsylvania. Under this bill, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs would be allowed to suspend certain existing regulations that restrict who can serve as a counselor, specifically allowing individuals with lived experience in addiction and recovery or those with relevant work experience to potentially serve as counselors. The bill permits clinical supervisors to assess and approve individuals who might not have previously met standard credentialing requirements, including those with at least one year of experience in licensed facilities or internship/apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the bill prohibits the department from creating new qualification requirements for counseling positions during an opioid epidemic, aiming to address potential staffing shortages and provide more pathways for individuals to enter and support addiction treatment services. The bill would take effect 60 days after its passage.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Referred to Health & Human Services (on 07/08/2025)
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