MD HB1629

Maryland Department of Health must establish regulations setting discharge standards for drug and alcohol treatment programs, requiring discharges to 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 services addressing physical/mental health, employment, legal assistance, family matters, education, and continuing substance abuse treatment at appropriate ASAM levels before or at discharge

ASAM Level 3.3 and 3.5 residential treatment programs must implement referral service agreements within 3 working days of signing an individualized treatment plan, with referrals remaining valid after discharge

Department of Health must submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2026 on regulation adoption status and enforcement plans; effective date is June 1, 2026