This bill amends Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on the Medication-Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program. It updates the terminology from "Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted" to "Medication-Assisted" and repeals the previous pilot program structure, establishing a new framework for counties to provide medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. The bill introduces new definitions, including "Commission" referring to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and "Medication-assisted treatment," which encompasses FDA-approved medications used alongside other treatment methods for substance use disorders.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for county participation in the program, detailing the application process and the responsibilities of counties in administering treatment. It mandates the commission to collaborate with the department to establish criteria for grant funding and to evaluate the program's effectiveness through biennial reports to the General Assembly. The bill emphasizes that grant funding should supplement existing resources and prioritizes applications for nonnarcotic medication-assisted treatment. It also clarifies that the act does not create an entitlement for offenders to receive treatment while incarcerated or upon release. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 970 (Jun 19, 2025): 61-46