The bill mandates the development of a plan to cease operations at the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center (MASAC) as a secure facility for individuals committed for treatment of alcohol or substance use disorder by December 31, 2026. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is responsible for creating this plan, which must evaluate the geographic distribution of alternative treatment facilities and ensure adequate bed availability prior to MASAC's closure. The Secretary is also required to submit the plan to the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives and the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery within 180 days of the bill's effective date, along with quarterly interim reports on progress, including census data and transfer statuses.

Furthermore, the bill maintains that MASAC will continue to be classified as a secure facility under Section 35 of Chapter 123 of the General Laws until the closure date or until the Secretary confirms sufficient alternative bed capacity. It also outlines the funding and reimbursement structure for Section 35 services, designating MassHealth and other insurance providers as primary payers, while the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) serves as the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured clients. The reimbursement rate for Individualized Treatment and Stabilization Services (ITS) Tier 1 is established at $919.21 per diem, and the bill clarifies that costs do not include building maintenance, utilities, or staff time for MASAC operations. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is tasked with ongoing fiscal assessments to guide future funding needs.