MD HB1289

Maryland Department of Health must establish regulations governing patient discharge standards from drug and alcohol treatment programs, requiring discharges be appropriate for the patient's mental health or substance use disorder diagnosis

Treatment programs are prohibited from discharging patients who will be homeless and need residential care; such patients must be referred to a halfway house providing ASAM Level 3.1 services or an appropriate recovery residence if willing

Programs must refer and facilitate patient entry into needed services before or at discharge, including physical/mental health care, employment support, legal assistance, family services, education, and appropriate ASAM-level treatment

ASAM Level 3.3 and 3.5 residential programs must implement referral service agreements within 3 working days of signing an individualized treatment plan, and referral agreements must remain valid after discharge to ensure continuity of care

The Department must submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2025 on regulation status and enforcement plans; the Act takes effect June 1, 2025