Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) recently presented Assembly bill 3162, co-authored along with Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that would clarify laws and help the DHCS effectively issue and manage the issuance of licenses for alcoholism and drug abuse residential treatment facilities.
AB 3162 passed out of the California State Senate and the Assembly on Aug. 29.
AB 3162 mandates a provisional, one-year initial probationary period for residential treatment facilities and clarify in law where treatment is occurring.
Bates stated in her press release, “This measure is crucial and will strengthen current law to protect patients who are receiving treatment at these facilities. I’ve heard from many constituents and read the horror stories in the media about the exploitation of vulnerable patients. Some of these residential treatment facilities have good intentions and substantial records of helping addicts break the vicious cycle of addiction, but others appear to prey on patients. I’m proud to co-author this measure because it would provide clarification to current policies.”
AB 3162 is supported by several associations and municipalities, including the Association of California Cities-Orange County (ACC-OC); the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Oceanside and Vista.