The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 195 is designed to combat accidental overdose deaths and improve access to treatment for individuals with substance use disorders. It introduces "overdose prevention centers," which are community-based facilities where individuals can receive counseling, test substances for safety, and consume controlled substances under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. The bill authorizes the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, to establish a pilot program for these centers in four municipalities, pending local approval. The centers will offer essential services such as referrals to treatment, educational resources on opioid antagonists, and basic support amenities. Additionally, the bill establishes an advisory committee to oversee the pilot program and includes provisions to protect healthcare providers from liability when administering opioid antagonists.

Furthermore, the bill streamlines the process for establishing overdose prevention centers by repealing certain requirements for a certificate of need for specific healthcare facilities. It clarifies that free clinics, school-based health centers, and nonprofit facilities with state contracts are exempt from needing a certificate of need. Notably, it removes the requirement for a certificate of need for the replacement of certain medical imaging equipment, provided that the facility notifies the relevant unit about the replacement. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is prohibited from using state funds for the pilot program but may accept private donations and grants. Overall, Raised Bill No. 195 aims to enhance health service access and improve treatment for substance use disorders while ensuring necessary oversight for certain healthcare expansions.