The bill H.32 seeks to improve the treatment of inmates with opioid use disorder in Vermont's correctional facilities by mandating the Department of Corrections to establish memorandums of understanding with local opioid treatment programs and office-based treatment providers. This initiative aims to provide inmates with coordinated, evidence-based treatment that mirrors the community-based hub and spoke system. Key provisions include ensuring continuity of care by allowing inmates to maintain their prescribed medication during incarceration and facilitating their transition back into the community with individualized reentry plans that address social determinants of health.

Additionally, the bill requires the integration of counseling and behavioral therapies into medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, as defined by the Department of Health. It introduces a new annual reporting requirement for the Department of Corrections to track the number of individuals receiving treatment, recidivism rates, and health outcomes post-release. The bill also outlines a plan for the Department to seek federal certification for opioid treatment programs in all correctional facilities by January 15, 2026, and emphasizes the transition to in-house services for medication administration. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 28-801b