Relating to testing for substance use disorder

Amendment to change testing frequency from every 45 days to a different schedule was removed.

Amendment to change testing frequency after the first year from every 45 days to every six months was removed.

New title added clarifying the bill relates to testing for substance use disorder and establishes testing guidelines for medication-assisted treatment programs.

Bill sponsor changed from Senator Takubo to Senator Helton with updated amendment date from March 29 to April 1.

Changed the bill's focus from 'medication-assisted treatment' to 'drug' treatment, broadening the scope of applicability.

Removed requirements for onsite health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV, hepatitis, STDs, birth control, vaccinations, and basic diagnostic screenings.

Added requirement for patients to undergo direct observation qualitative or quantitative tests every 45 days during the first year of treatment.

Added requirement for patients to undergo direct observation qualitative or quantitative tests every six months after the first year until discharge.

Changed required initial assessment services from only blood-borne disease testing to include routine health screenings, HIV/hepatics/STD screenings, birth control, vaccinations, diagnostic screenings, treatment for common illnesses, and overdose prevention supplies

Added requirement for quarterly referrals to primary care providers for patients enrolled with telehealth providers

Added exemption for medication-assisted treatment telehealth providers from onsite service requirements

Added new requirement for providers to offer blood-borne disease testing (HIV and hepatitis C) to all patients admitted to medication-assisted treatment programs as part of initial assessment.

Changed mandatory direct observation drug testing to clinically appropriate testing with direct observation only required when provider determines patient is at high risk

Modified testing frequency from specific timeline (every two weeks for six weeks, then every 45 days, then every six months) to minimum standards

Changed patient obligation from being willing to produce test to complying with physician-ordered direct observation qualitative or quantitative test

Changed initial testing requirement from quantitative to qualitative testing