In the near future, we will introduce legislation to update the Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA) to explicitly recognize substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol dependence as mental illnesses. This critical reform will ensure that individuals struggling with these conditions have access to the same level of care, intervention, and support as those suffering from other recognized mental health disorders.

Pennsylvania is facing an unprecedented crisis in substance use and alcohol dependence. These conditions, long recognized by medical professionals as mental illnesses, continue to devastate families, overwhelm our emergency services, and strain our criminal justice system. It is time for us to take meaningful action.

Our legislation will enable individuals with severe SUD or alcohol dependence to receive emergency evaluation and treatment before reaching crisis levels while providing pathways for loved ones to seek help for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

This update aligns Pennsylvania with modern psychiatric and medical standards, ensuring we treat addiction as the disease it is—not a moral failure.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. Together, we can take a significant step in addressing the addiction crisis and saving lives.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 728 (May 02, 2025): P.L.817, No.143, P.L.221, No.63