CS/CS/HB 479 Summary

• Creates a voluntary certification program for recovery residences administered by credentialing entities approved by the Department of Children and Families, with application fees not to exceed $100 and annual renewal fees not to exceed $100.

• Establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residence administrators requiring credentialing entity approval by December 1, 2014, with combined application, examination, and certification fees not to exceed $225 and annual renewal fees not to exceed $100.

• Requires all recovery residence employees and administrator applicants to pass level 2 background screening with fingerprint processing through state and federal authorities.

• Prohibits licensed service providers from referring patients to recovery residences effective July 1, 2015, unless the residence holds a valid certification, is managed by a certified administrator, or is owned by the service provider.

• Provides criminal penalties (first degree misdemeanor) for falsely advertising a recovery residence or administrator as "certified" without proper credentials, with exemptions from disqualification available after three years for certain offenses.