An Act regarding consistent care for addiction rooted in evidence

This bill updates Massachusetts law to standardize how addiction treatment is provided to people in correctional facilities, ensuring they receive care based on clinical evidence rather than policy restrictions. It requires jails and prisons to offer medication for addiction treatment within 24 hours of admission if a specialist deems it necessary and prohibits denying treatment or issuing disciplinary penalties based on positive drug tests. The legislation also mandates that facilities maintain the capacity to provide these medications, allows individuals to request treatment at any time, and ensures that current treatment plans are continued or adjusted only based on medical need. By integrating these requirements into state statutes, the bill aims to create consistent access to evidence-based care for incarcerated individuals across the Commonwealth.