This bill amends the Administrative Code of 1929 to enhance regulatory flexibility during an opioid epidemic, specifically concerning the qualifications for counselors in drug and alcohol treatment programs. It suspends certain regulations that would otherwise prevent individuals with lived experience of addiction or those who have completed specific training from serving as counselors, provided they receive approval from a clinical supervisor. The bill introduces new qualifications that allow individuals with relevant experience and training to be eligible for counseling roles, thereby addressing the urgent need for qualified personnel during the ongoing opioid crisis.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs from implementing any new qualification requirements for positions related to drug and alcohol treatment during the declared opioid epidemic. This includes a ban on enforcing additional credentialing requirements for staff, which aims to streamline the hiring process and ensure that treatment facilities can operate effectively amidst the public health crisis. The bill defines the "opioid epidemic" based on specific overdose death statistics and clarifies the role of a "project director" in managing treatment projects. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1035 (Jul 08, 2025): P.L.177, No.175