BILL NUMBER: S3740A
SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing the
"recovery ready workplace act"
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Establish the Recovery Ready Workplace Act to ensure safe and healthy
workplaces for those in recovery.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Titles the "Recovery Ready Workplace Act"
Section 2: Legislative findings and purpose
Section 3: States the purpose of the Act
Section 4: Definitions
Section 5: Criteria for employers to obtain certification as a Recovery
Ready Workplace
Section 6: Employee Involvement
Section 7: No diminishment of employee rights
Section 8: Creates the certifying body
Section 9: Creates incentives for participation
Section 10: Sets the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Recovery Ready Workplace (RRW) initiatives have been initiated around
the country as an important intervention in the opioid/substance use
disorder (OUD/SUD) crisis. The goal of RRW programs is to provide
outreach, training, and certification to employers in cooperation with
government officials, workers, labor unions, and communities to: 1)
prevent initiation of new cases of misuse and addiction, 2) provide a
pathway to treatment, recovery, and support for workers who are struggl-
ing, and 3) provide healthy gainful employment for workers in recovery.
Workers with painful injuries have frequently been overprescribed
opioids, resulting in as many as 25% developing opioid dependence and
OUD/SUD. A RRW program addresses prevention of addiction related to
workplace injury and stress while also providing support for workers who
are struggling and opportunities for people in recovery to reenter the
workforce.
Employment gives people in recovery purpose and routine, as well as the
ability to be self-sufficient and to grow. The workplace is a key
location for intervention where employers, labor unions, and communities
can become active participants in preventing and responding to the
substance use crisis. This requires multidisciplinary collaboration,
integrating the prevention work of occupational safety and health
professionals with workplace leaders and recovery organizations, into
their communities' Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. Benefits to
employers include money saved through reduced absenteeism, healthier
work environment, greater productivity, lower health care costs, greater
workplace safety, employee retention, and reduced recruitment and hiring
costs.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.