SENATE BILL REPORT

REESSB 5897

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators West, Kreidler and McDonald)

Regarding alcohol and drug treatment.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Staff:Jan Sharar (786-7715)

                  May 8, 1989

House Committe on Rules

AS PASSED SENATE, MAY 7, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, the Legislature enacted the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA) to provide treatment or shelter services for low income disabled alcoholics and drug addicts.  The size of the program was limited by appropriated funds.  Under the original design, program participants would be offered a continuum of residential and outpatient treatment.  Those not entering treatment would receive room and board through contracted housing.  The state general assistance program (GAU) was revised to remove persons disabled solely because of drug or alcohol abuse.

Legal actions have expanded clients' options.  As a result, clients may now receive cash grants through a protective payee instead of room and board.  They may also enter directly into outpatient treatment without first receiving inpatient care.  The result was rapid expansion of the program, particularly in outpatient treatment (which includes shelter). 

In order to bring projected expenditures back within budget, the Governor proposed, effective February 1, elimination of outpatient programs and limiting shelter to those already in the ADATSA program.  A superior court restraining order prohibited the limit on shelter, while allowing the elimination of treatment.  This decision was recently overruled by the state Supreme Court.

SUMMARY:

Eligibility for shelter services includes documented incapacity from gainful employment due to active addiction to alcohol or drugs which has either manifested itself by physiological or organic damage resulting in functional limitations or impairment of cognitive abilities which will not dissipate with sobriety or detoxification.

Eligibility for treatment services includes financial eligibility and incapacity from gainful employment.  Priority for treatment is given to pregnant women and parents of young children.

The department may adopt rules pertaining to caseload ceilings and additional eligibility criteria as long as they are consistent with conditions and limitations set forth within any appropriation for treatment services.

The department is instructed to collect and maintain relevant demographic data on treatment services and utilization data on inpatient and outpatient treatment, shelter and medical services.  A report to the Legislature on the results of the data collection and monitoring of the program is required by the department by December 1, 1989 and December 1, 1990.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested