HB 1655 Summary

• Directs the State Board of Health to promulgate rules and standards for licensing private facilities and organizations providing treatment, counseling, recovery, and rehabilitation services for alcohol- and drug-dependent persons.

• Rules must include provisions for temperature settings, lighting, ventilation, and other physical conditions affecting the health, safety, and welfare of patients.

• Exempts from licensing requirements individual licensed professionals in private practice, hospitals, state-operated programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Salvation Army, faith-based nonresidential programs, and residential facilities with fewer than 12 residents.

• Grants the State Department of Health authority to issue, renew, deny, modify, suspend, and revoke licenses; conduct inspections; investigate complaints; and establish civil penalties for rule violations.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2013.