Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs - Discharge of Patients and Referral Services - Standards

HB 1289 requires Maryland’s Department of Health to establish regulations for drug and alcohol treatment programs regarding patient discharges and referrals. It mandates that programs cannot discharge patients who would become homeless without appropriate residential care referrals, and must provide timely referrals to services like medical care, mental health support, employment assistance, and substance use treatment within 3 working days. The law also requires programs to ensure continuity of care during transitions between facilities or to homeless shelters by securing referrals before transfer. These standards apply to certified treatment programs and aim to improve coordinated care for individuals with substance use disorders.