CT HB06882

Requires the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop an integrated effort to combat substance abuse in coordination with commissioners from Social Services, Children and Families, Public Health, Correction, and Education.

Directs exploration of incentives to encourage physicians, including Medicaid providers, to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment.

Authorizes application for federal Medicaid waivers to expand the number of substance abuse treatment beds available to Medicaid enrollees.

Expands walk-in assessment centers for same-day substance abuse evaluations and early intervention services for families assessed by the Department of Children and Families.

Increases educational programs about substance abuse dangers and diverts more defendants charged with minor drug crimes to treatment programs instead of traditional prosecution.