This bill amends existing laws regarding patient referrals to substance use disorder treatment facilities, specifically revising the penalties associated with such referrals. It reclassifies the crime from a fourth-degree to a third-degree offense for individuals who make or receive payments, fees, commissions, or rebates in connection with patient referrals to licensed treatment facilities. Additionally, it criminalizes the act of knowingly assisting or conspiring with others to engage in these prohibited financial transactions. A significant change introduced by the bill is the establishment of a mandatory fine of $50,000 for those convicted of these offenses, which is a new provision not present in the previous law.

The bill also expands the definition of individuals and entities subject to these laws by explicitly including health care providers, health care facilities, non-profit organizations, and recovery residences. New definitions are provided for terms such as "health care facility," "health care provider," and "recovery residence," clarifying the scope of the law. The bill aims to strengthen regulations around patient referrals to ensure ethical practices in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:40A-6