ALBANY – In recognition of International Recovery Day, State Senator Pete Harckham announced on Thursday that he has introduced a “Treatment with Dignity” package of legislation: four bills intended to ensure that residents with Substance Use Disorder get the assistance they require—and with the respect they deserve. In addition, the legislation will help keep residents in treatment and recovery programs regardless of their ability to pay the costs.
One bill (S.7350) will require addiction treatment centers operated by the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports to provide services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.
Another bill (S.7349) will require facilities that provide chemical dependence services to be constructed in a manner that ensures the privacy of individuals receiving treatment while they are bathing, sleeping, using the restrooms and receiving individual counseling services.
The third bill (S.7351) will remove the requirement for treatment providers certified by OASAS to be tobacco-free. This change will encourage those using tobacco and suffering from substance use disorder to seek treatment for their immediately life-threatening substance use.
The final bill (S.7352) will modify the classification of SUD treatment under insurance law from “medical” to “clinical.” This change will allow treatment providers the flexibility to help resolve the individual’s clinical needs while assisting in crisis stabilization, especially for those dealing with homelessness.
“Too many people are forced to leave treatment programs for Substance Use Disorder because of various reasons, which, sadly, can often lead them to relapse and overdose,” said Harckham, chairman of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “Each of these new bills that I am sponsoring addresses a different problem that residents may face while on their road to recovery. The focus here is making sure individuals can access the treatment they need regardless of ability to pay, and that the treatment facilities themselves are supportive places focused on the addiction that an individual is seeking treatment for.”
