Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB867

Introduced
4/10/23  

Caption

Relating to immediate access to treatment for substance use disorder; establishing the Substance Use Disorder Early Intervention Pilot Program; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Impact

Should HB867 be enacted, it is expected to create a framework within state law that underscores the importance of early intervention in substance use disorders. By allocating resources specifically for immediate treatment accessibility, the bill would potentially alter the landscape of how substance use issues are addressed at the state level. This legislative change is particularly relevant given the ongoing challenges surrounding mental health and addiction treatments throughout various communities.

Summary

House Bill 867 aims to improve immediate access to treatment for individuals suffering from substance use disorders by establishing the Substance Use Disorder Early Intervention Pilot Program. This program is designed to facilitate timely intervention and support for individuals at risk, ultimately enhancing their chances for recovery. The bill places specific duties and powers on the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, which will oversee the implementation and evaluation of the pilot program.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB867 has been largely supportive, particularly among health and recovery advocates who emphasize the necessity for accessible treatment options. Many view the bill as a progressive step towards addressing the substance use crisis, reflecting a broader understanding of addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one. However, there are some concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and resources to sustain the initiative long-term, expressing anxiety that without sufficient investment, the program could fall short of its objectives.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB867 include concerns about the operational feasibility of the proposed pilot program, including questions about how it will be funded and the specific metrics used to evaluate its success. Critics argue that while the intentions behind the bill are commendable, there may be gaps in the planning stages that could limit its effectiveness or lead to its premature termination. Discussions also highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy that complements this pilot program with additional support systems for recovery beyond initial treatment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB516

Providing for substance use overdose awareness, treatment and recovery support; establishing the Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

PA A4798

Establishes Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy to oversee, direct, and coordinate resources, funding, and data tracking concerning treatment of substance use disorders.

PA S157

Establishes Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy to oversee, direct, and coordinate resources, funding, and data tracking concerning treatment of substance use disorders.

PA SB0398

Health: substance use disorder treatment; substance use disorder services programs requirements; modify, and prohibit the promulgation of certain rules. Amends secs. 6230 & 6234 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.6230 & 333.6234).

PA H1439

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

PA SB1814

substance use disorder treatment; committee

PA S1620

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

PA A626

Increases access to substance use disorder treatment; Requires Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations.

PA S2492

Increases access to substance use disorder treatment; Requires Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations.

PA HB238

Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Act of 2023 This bill revises and reauthorizes through FY2027 grants for residential substance use disorder treatment programs at state and local correctional and detention facilities. Among the revisions, the bill replaces statutory references to substance abuse with substance use disorder, specifies that the term residential substance use disorder treatment program includes a medication-assisted treatment program, requires the chief medical officer or other staff overseeing a program to complete training on the science of addiction and the latest research and clinical guidance on treating substance use disorders in criminal justice settings, and allows people who are awaiting trial or in pretrial detention to participate in the programs.

Similar Bills

WI AB925

Revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of making corrections and reconciling conflicts (Correction Bill).

WI SB904

Revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of making corrections and reconciling conflicts (Correction Bill).

US HB238

Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Act of 2023 This bill revises and reauthorizes through FY2027 grants for residential substance use disorder treatment programs at state and local correctional and detention facilities. Among the revisions, the bill replaces statutory references to substance abuse with substance use disorder, specifies that the term residential substance use disorder treatment program includes a medication-assisted treatment program, requires the chief medical officer or other staff overseeing a program to complete training on the science of addiction and the latest research and clinical guidance on treating substance use disorders in criminal justice settings, and allows people who are awaiting trial or in pretrial detention to participate in the programs.

NM HB152

Medically Assisted Treatment For Juveniles

NH HB751

Requiring licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and relative to complaint investigation of treatment facilities by the department of health and human services office of the ombudsman and making an appropriation therefor.

PA SB691

Establishing the Nonnarcotic Medication Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program; in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, providing for court assessments for substance use disorder treatment; in other criminal provisions, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders.

MA H2227

Replacing archaic and stigmatizing language for substance use

MO SB218

Modifies provisions relating to court operations