HB2589 Summary

• Expands the Drug Overdose Prevention Program to require annual reports on opioid overdose trends, treatment capacity, and interventions; authorizes grant programs for local overdose prevention projects and opioid antagonist distribution.

• Allows hospitals to streamline enrollment in drug overdose prevention programs by waiving proof of standing orders and attestation requirements, with Department acceptance of deemed compliance status.

• Redefines SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) as a comprehensive public health approach covering multiple substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids, tobacco, cannabis) across various healthcare settings including emergency departments and community programs.

• Requires Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop SBIRT reimbursement methodologies and a bundled rate for opioid-specific emergency department services including medication initiation and referral to ongoing care.

• Expands Medicaid coverage to include opioid antagonists with pharmacy and hospital fees for overdose treatment, and medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol dependence without utilization controls or lifetime restrictions.