The bill proposes the establishment of a medication for opioid use disorder program within the adult correctional institutions, as indicated by the insertion of a new section 42-56-43 into Chapter 42-56 of the General Laws entitled "Corrections Department." The program is designed to provide medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder, using all forms of medication approved by the FDA for this purpose. The treatment plan for each participant will be individualized, and inmates will be screened for opioid use disorder within 24 hours of admission. Participation in the program is voluntary, and decisions regarding the medication regimen will be made by qualified health care professionals.

The bill also outlines that inmates may enter the program at any point during their incarceration and continue using medication for opioid use disorder if they have a valid prescription. It prohibits denial of program participation based on positive drug screenings and ensures that disciplinary infractions do not affect program eligibility. A re-entry strategy is included to assist individuals with continued recovery post-release. The bill mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness and clarifies that it does not override existing provider-patient relationships or standards of care. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.