FINAL BILL REPORT

                 ESHB 1298

                         C 321 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Enlarging the scope of the methadone treatment program to the opiate substitution treatment program.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Cooke, Tokuda and Patterson; by request of Department of Social and Health Services).

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:  Programs providing methadone treatment services must be certified by the Department of Social and Health Services.  County legislative authorities are authorized to prohibit methadone treatment in their county.  Methadone treatment programs do not have statutory authority to provide opiate substitutes other than methadone for individuals addicted to opiates.

Summary:  A definition of "opiate substitute treatment" is provided.  It includes dispensing approved drugs and providing a comprehensive array of medical and rehabilitative services.  Goals related to the use of opiate substitutes are included.  Opiate substitution programs are required to submit annual reports to the county and Department of Social and Health Services to be analyzed and evaluated.  The Department of Social and Health Services will submit an annual report to the Legislature related to their analysis of opiate substitution programs.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     81 14

Senate    48 0 (Senate amended)

House     87 10 (House concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995