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.
The legislation expands the definition of residential substance use disorder treatment programs to explicitly include medication-assisted treatment programs. By allowing individuals in pretrial detention or those awaiting trial to participate in treatment, the bill prioritizes rehabilitation and addresses addiction issues within the criminal justice system. Furthermore, the requirement for staff overseeing these programs to complete specialized training reflects a commitment to providing high-quality care informed by the latest research and clinical guidance on addiction.
House Bill 238, also known as the Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Act of 2023, aims to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by reauthorizing grants for residential substance use disorder treatment programs in state and local correctional facilities through fiscal year 2027. The bill seeks to replace the term 'substance abuse' with 'substance use disorder' to reflect more current understanding and terminology in the field of addiction treatment. This change signifies a shift towards a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to addiction that focuses on treatment rather than criminalization.
A notable aspect of HB 238 is its emphasis on evidence-based practices and the integration of medication-assisted treatments alongside traditional therapeutic approaches. This may evoke discussions among stakeholders regarding the efficacy of medication in managing substance use disorders, especially within incarceration settings. Funding disparities might also arise, as some states may struggle to allocate necessary resources for these programs, leading to potential inequalities in access to treatment across different jurisdictions.