New Pennsylvania Law Grants Authority to License or Certify Recovery Homes
"It's our goal to provide recovery house residents with a safe, supportive, and drug-and-alcohol-free environment during a critical time in their recovery journey," Gov. Tom Wolf said. "The legislation will require DDAP to create and maintain a publicly accessible registry of all licensed or certified drug and alcohol recovery houses within the commonwealth."
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf thanked state legislators Dec. 13 for passing Senate Bill 446, which will give the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs regulatory authority to license or certify recovery homes that receive public funds or referrals from state, county, or federal agencies. "As we continue to battle against the heroin and opioid crisis and provide those recovering from the disease of addiction with the best possible care, I applaud the General Assembly for passing this important legislation," Wolf said.
The government in October outlined his legislative priorities to further address the opioid epidemic, including SB 446.
"It's our goal to provide recovery house residents with a safe, supportive, and drug-and-alcohol-free environment during a critical time in their recovery journey," he said. "The legislation will require DDAP to create and maintain a publicly accessible registry of all licensed or certified drug and alcohol recovery houses within the commonwealth."
Currently, recovery homes are only subject to the local ordinances of the municipality or township in which they are located. "Recovery homes can be a safe and productive space for individuals in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction," Acting DDAP Secretary Jennifer Smith said. "Before this legislation, these homes have had very little regulation and oversight. Licensing these facilities allows DDAP to ensure that these homes are held to the same standard as other treatment facilities. I am grateful that the General Assembly passed this legislation to protect individuals residing in recovery homes around Pennsylvania."