This bill mandates that outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs must be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It also requires the DHHS to designate a behavioral health specialist within the office of the ombudsman to specifically handle complaints related to substance use and mental health treatment facilities. The bill includes an appropriation of $211,000 for the establishment of a compliance officer position to ensure adherence to these new requirements. The bill specifies that certain programs, such as impaired driver care management and nonclinical recovery support services, will be exempt from licensure.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law by inserting provisions that enhance the ombudsman's office's role in investigating and resolving complaints, particularly focusing on the health and rights of individuals receiving treatment. The effective date for the compliance officer position is set for July 1, 2025, while the rest of the act will take effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact indicates an expenditure of $211,000 for the FY26/27 biennium, with no new positions authorized beyond the compliance officer role.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 172:1, 172:2-a, 6:12, 172:2-c, 126-A:4
As Amended by the House: 126-A:4, 151:2
HB751 text: 172:1, 172:2-a, 6:12, 172:2-c, 126-A:4