Drug addiction as California is increasingly in the news. The state has fought for years to try and find a better solution, and it looks like one might finally be coming into place. The development of a new California law will mean that addiction treatment service providers have to notify their clients of some very important information.

For one, clinics and treatment facilities must now provide all clients with the information that they have the right to safe, ethical treatment. Treatment provided must also be provided based on evidence-based proof that it actually works. For those who violate the new terms on this Bill of Rights order could see fines as large as $20,000 issued.

Sadly, many facilities in California that offer rehab treatment are either not equipped with the staff or the structure to help addicts. This means that many go without proper treatment or undergo treatment that is at best experimental. Staffers often lack the expertise or the capacity to help patients. Unlike being sick in a hospital, where you are guaranteed to receive treatment from a medical professional, many clinics lack actual full-scale medical professionals being there on a full-time basis.

For that reason, this new Bill of Rights brought forward by Sen. Tom Umberg could be very important for the long-term future of California drug addiction treatment. Those who enter addiction treatment will, under SB 349, be provided with the knowledge that they have the right to safe, ethical, and fair treatment based on evidence.

To some, the idea that such a statement even has to be made is maddening. Addiction treatment has been a millstone around the neck of the US medical industry for years. Poor treatment and shallow expert support have long been complaints by those entering and exiting addiction.

Severe penalties for those who do not meet the aims

One of the most heartening elements that has been raised is the prospect of large, five-figure fines for treatment facilities who do not comply. This is essential in enforcing the solution, as it will be harder for facilities to simply ignore the new law. A failure to comply could net fines as large as $20,000. Many facilities simply could not afford those high-scale fines. The hope is that the promise of such a fine will ensure all Californian treatment facilities will comply.

A document will be given to all clients who will be asked to sign off and make sure that they understand what they are getting. Drug treatment should be lauded, and anyone taking part should be given access to the basic treatment and rights that they need and deserve.

After many years of waiting, it looks like those looking for lasting and permanent treatment can finally get exactly what they are looking for. The time for lax treatment is coming to an end and treatment facilities will now be properly held to account. It’s about time.

 

Citation

https://www.governing.com/now/will-bill-of-rights-for-addiction-treatment-save-lives