Senator Phillips Announces Legislation Providing Funding For Substance Abuse Facilities And Prohibiting Deceptive Acts For Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Passes State Senate

Senator Elaine Phillips announced today that the New York State Senate passed two bills, which she co-sponsored, providing more funding to substance abuse programs and prohibiting deceptive acts and practices against those seeking substance abuse treatment.

The first measure, S.6544, prohibits any individual, addiction professional, credentialed professional, health care provider, health care facility or substance abuse program from giving or receiving a commission, bonus, rebate, or kickback, directly or indirectly, to induce the referral of a potential service recipient in connection with the performance of substance abuse services.

“Individuals promising admission into addiction treatment programs and top-notch medical care have for too long been able to deceive and extort New Yorkers suffering from addiction,” Senator Elaine Phillips said. “This legislation will protect those seeking treatment while communities across New York, especially here Long Island, continue to be ravaged by the heroin and opioid epidemic.”

The second bill, S.898, authorizes the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to provide funding to substance use disorder and/or compulsive gambling programs operated by for-profit agencies.

“It is paramount that we continue to provide all alcohol and substance abuse treatment services with funding to ensure New Yorkers have a wide-range of access to adequate treatment,” Senator Phillips said. “This measure will allow for-profit facilities to receive funding, which will allow further access to treatment.”

The bills will be sent to the Assembly.