SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 876

BYHouse Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Brough, Leonard, Scott, Allen, Brekke, Locke, Belcher, Patrick, Cole, Braddock, Rust, Lux and May)

Changing certification requirements for methadone treatment programs.

House Committe on Human Services

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987; March 30, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Kreidler.

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

                March 31, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 30, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) was required in 1986 to establish statewide standards for methadone treatment centers operating in this state.  DSHS is authorized to certify programs complying with these standards, but county legislative authorities may prohibit their operation within the county.  Counties may also license treatment programs and limit the number on a population basis but not less than the number certified as of March 12, 1986.

SUMMARY:

Methadone is declared as an addictive substance but important for drug treatment of persons addicted or habituated to opioids.  The state declares its right to regulate the clinical uses of methadone treatment, but there is no fundamental right to methadone treatment.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to establish statewide operating standards no later than August 1, 1987 and report to the Legislature prior to 1988.

County legislative authorities are authorized to license or to prohibit methadone treatment programs.  County licensing programs must limit their number to 350 and monitor them for compliance with certification standards developed by DSHS.  Programs currently exceeding the caseload limit of 350 may reduce their caseload by attrition.  Counties are required to adopt licensing standards consistent with DSHS standards.

All programs must comply with operating standards within 90 days after adoption or 90 days after August 1, 1987, whichever is earlier.  Counties are also required to give preference to programs existing on the effective date of this act for licensure. 

Discrimination on the basis of corporate status is prohibited in certification by DSHS or licensing by counties.  Programs denied licenses or certifications must be given written notice of rationale.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The state's policy on methadone treatment includes the goal of drug-free living for the individuals participating in treatment.  The ability of counties to run methadone treatment programs within their own health departments is clarified.

Fiscal Note:    available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified:   Representative Jean Marie Brough; Ron Main, Phil Shostead, King County; Marilyn Showalter, Western Health Clinics