HARRISBURG – On Wednesday Gov. Tom Wolf applauded the passage of a legislative priority to address the opioid epidemic.
The legislation, Senate Bill 446, sponsored by Sen. Tom McGarrigle, will give the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) regulatory authority to license or certify recovery homes that receive public funds or referrals from state, county or federal agencies.
“As we continue to battle against the heroin and opioid crisis and provide those recovering from the disease of addiction with the best possible care, I applaud the General Assembly for passing this important legislation,” Wolf said.
In October, Wolf outlined his legislative priorities to further address the opioid epidemic, including SB 446.
“It’s our goal to provide recovery house residents with a safe, supportive and drug-and-alcohol-free environment during a critical time in their recovery journey,” Wolf said.
“The legislation will require DDAP to create and maintain a publicly accessible registry of all licensed or certified drug and alcohol recovery houses within the commonwealth.”
Before Senate Bill 446, recovery homes were only subject to the local ordinances of the municipality or township in which they are located.
“Recovery homes can be a safe and productive space for individuals in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction,” Acting DDAP Secretary Jennifer Smith said.
“Before this legislation, these homes have had very little regulation and oversight. Licensing these facilities allows DDAP to ensure that these homes are held to the same standard as other treatment facilities.
“I am grateful that the General Assembly passed this legislation to protect individuals residing in recovery homes around Pennsylvania.”
For more information on treatment options in Pennsylvania, county-based resources and the Wolf Administration’s efforts to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic, visit www.pa.gov/opioid or www.ddap.pa.gov.
