Bill > S1033

This bill establishes a special commission to investigate state-licensed addiction treatment centers, with the goal of improving services for individuals seeking help. The commission will be comprised of legislative leaders from the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse, along with designees from key state departments like health and human services, mental health, public health, medicaid, and the Inspector General, as well as five advocates from the addiction treatment community, including family members of those who have received treatment. The commission's responsibilities include gathering input from various stakeholders, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment services in promoting recovery and wellness, examining how to better involve peers in policy and service delivery, studying successful treatment models from other states, investigating negative outcomes such as early release from treatment leading to harm or death by suicide or overdose, assessing mental health considerations within treatment centers (including access to psychiatrists and communication with other healthcare providers), and evaluating the conditions of treatment centers and their ability to achieve non-profit status. Ultimately, the commission will recommend legislative changes to enhance the quality of care provided by these state-licensed facilities and must report its findings and proposed legislation to the general court within one year of the bill's enactment.