This bill seeks to improve the oversight and quality of substance use treatment programs in New Hampshire by establishing a certification process for these facilities. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to create a certification system for outpatient treatment programs, which will include various service types such as medically managed outpatient and intensive outpatient services. A significant change in the law is the introduction of a "Certified substance abuse treatment facility," which will now be certified or licensed by the DHHS, replacing the previous requirement of being funded by the office of alcohol and drug abuse prevention. The bill also removes the exception for youth drug treatment centers operated by non-governmental entities, allowing the DHHS to directly manage any program or facility for individuals with substance use disorders.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new Substance Use Treatment Certification Fund and requires that no program can operate without certification from the DHHS. Certified facilities will be required to pay a certification fee, which will be deposited into this fund. The bill also creates an ombudsman office within the DHHS, with a behavioral health specialist designated to investigate complaints related to substance use and mental health treatment facilities, ensuring the protection of clients' rights. Furthermore, it repeals certain definitions related to alcohol and drug abuse counselors to streamline the certification process. Overall, while the implementation of this bill may incur initial costs, it has the potential for self-funding through certification fees, although general fund support may be needed in the early stages.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 172:1, 172:2-a, 6:12, 172:2-c, 126-A:4
HB751 text: 172:1, 172:2-a, 6:12, 172:2-c, 126-A:4