Shenango Valley News

A bill sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) aimed at increasing access to licensed addiction treatment programs in Pennsylvania is on track to become law. The bill, known as Senate Bill 941, addresses the urgent needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorder.

Sen. Brooks highlighted the severity of the opioid crisis, stating, "The opioid crisis is even more dire as people are subjected to drugs that are laced with fentanyl and xylazine to put money in the pockets of criminals manufacturing them. While law enforcement agencies are dedicated to getting these dangerous drugs off the street, Pennsylvanians who have already been impacted need care now."

Senate Bill 941 aims to address workforce shortages in addiction treatment by offering regulatory flexibilities for treatment providers. One key change is allowing certified registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants to fulfill the on-call physician requirements of a treatment program. This change will help alleviate the massive physician shortages, particularly in rural areas of the state.

The bill also seeks to increase counselor caseloads in inpatient residential treatment settings to provide providers with more flexibility in utilizing their employees and expertise. It additionally waives clinical experience requirements, allowing individuals with advanced degrees in related fields to immediately begin working and help meet staffing needs.

Sen. Brooks emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, "While the General Assembly has addressed many challenges in combatting the opioid epidemic and decades-old addiction crisis, increasing flexibility and opportunity for staff at these treatment facilities will add another tool in the fight against substance abuse all while increasing access to treatment services."

In addition to these provisions, Senate Bill 941 includes a requirement for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on unnecessary barriers to workforce recruitment and treatment access.

The bill's enactment is seen as a significant step towards improving addiction treatment services in Pennsylvania. With increased access to licensed addiction treatment programs and addressing workforce shortages, more individuals struggling with substance use disorder will be able to receive the care they desperately need.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Adam Gingrich at 717-787-1322.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.senatorbrooks.com/2023/12/13/brooks-bill-helping-people-with-addiction-set-for-enactment/