CT SB00172

Department of Correction shall establish a medication-assisted treatment program for inmates with opioid use disorder by January 1, 2019, in consultation with the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Program shall expand access progressively: at least 5 facilities in year one, 30% of all inmates by year two, 60% by year three, and 100% by year four and thereafter.

Correctional facilities must enable staff to dispense and administer all FDA-approved opioid use disorder medications and provide treatment to any inmate found appropriate by a qualified licensed health care provider.

Inmates receiving medication-assisted treatment prior to incarceration shall continue treatment while incarcerated unless they voluntarily discontinue or a health care provider determines it is no longer appropriate.

Commissioner of Correction must report annually to the Governor and relevant General Assembly committees from November 1, 2019 through November 1, 2023, including program costs, expansion projections, practice changes, medication types provided, and inmate participation statistics.