Bill > H1789

This bill proposes to establish "substance use disorder accountable care organizations" which are defined as organizations involved in treating or managing substance use disorders, and "recovery centers" which include various facilities like halfway houses, treatment units, detoxification facilities, or sober homes that provide an alcohol and drug-free environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The bill mandates that a commission will coordinate the creation of "recovery programs" offered by these organizations to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services by bringing together relevant community entities and efficiently channeling resources. The commission will also identify unmet community needs, such as long waiting lists for services, high emergency department use by individuals with mental health and substance use issues, difficulties in accessing inpatient care, and transportation challenges, and then develop a comprehensive plan to address these needs through these accountable care organizations. This plan will cover the entire spectrum of behavioral health services, from prevention and assessment to outpatient care, case coordination, crisis services, and inpatient treatment. Furthermore, the bill requires substance use disorder accountable care organizations to manage high-risk prescribed medications within alcohol and drug-free housing, ensuring these medications are only accessible and administered by licensed clinical personnel, with specific regulations for classification and secure storage.