SB 35 MEDICATION FOR JUVENILES IN TREATMENT PGMS.

Sen Jerry Ortiz y Pino

Actions: [1] SCC/SHPAC/SFC-SCC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 35 (SB 35):  The bill proposes to ensure access to medication-assisted treatment for minors in substance abuse treatment facilities and programs funded or operated by the state, with provisions for funding and reporting to legislative committees. 

 Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) Section 1: Definitions - Defines terms used in the act, such as "evidence-based," "inpatient substance abuse treatment facility," "medication-assisted treatment," "minor," and "outpatient substance abuse treatment program."  
Section 2: Medication-Assisted Treatment for Minors - A. Requires that, by the end of fiscal year 2025, state-operated or contracted inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities cannot have policies restricting the use of medication-assisted treatment for minor patients.  B. Starting July 1, 2026, facilities with such restrictions will be ineligible for reimbursement from the state's Medicaid program for services rendered to minors.  C. By December 1, 2024, the health care authority department is tasked with creating rules for operating medication-assisted treatment programs in consultation with relevant departments and providers.  D. Starting October 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, the health care authority department must report to the legislative health and human services committee on the availability of medication-assisted treatment for minor patients.  
Section 3: Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment for Minors Fund – A. Establishes the "evidence-based addiction treatment for minors fund" in the state treasury, funded by appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations. The health care authority department administers the fund, using the money to assist relevant departments and licensed providers in establishing and operating medication-assisted treatment programs for minors.  B. By December 1, 2024, the health care authority department must create rules for fund disbursement, including eligibility criteria.