Bill > S09145

This bill establishes the "Recovery Ready Workplace Act" to create a certification program for employers who meet specific criteria to become a "Recovery Ready Workplace" (RRW). This program, overseen by the office of addiction services and supports in consultation with the department of labor, aims to prevent workplace factors that could lead to or worsen substance use disorders (SUDs), lower barriers to seeking and maintaining recovery, and educate employees and management to reduce stigma. To achieve RRW certification, employers must demonstrate a commitment to recovery by, for example, issuing a declaration to employees, collaborating with employees and unions, proactively addressing workplace hazards and stress, ensuring naloxone is available and personnel are trained in its administration, supporting injured workers to avoid substance misuse, providing training on SUDs and recovery, offering resources and information to employees, connecting with recovery organizations, and assessing and addressing workplace culture issues by encouraging individuals in recovery to apply, promoting employee wellness and work-life balance, and supporting employees seeking treatment and related leave. Additionally, certified RRWs must offer health benefits that comprehensively cover SUDs, including medications and counseling, ensure mental health and substance use benefits are on par with physical health benefits, provide work accommodations for employees in recovery, and maintain confidentiality for employees accessing services. The act defines key terms such as "lived experience" (personal experience with mental health or substance use disorders), "opioid use disorder" (OUD), "member assistance program" (union-administered support programs), "prevention" (strategies to reduce substance misuse risk), "recovery" (a process of change for improved health and wellness), "recovery ready workplace advisor" (a program employee assisting employers), "certified peer support advocate" (a person with lived experience providing non-clinical support), "recovery ready workplace" (an established program to support recovery), and "substance use disorder" (SUD). The provisions of this act are not intended to diminish any existing employee rights or benefits.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9145