Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act"

• Democratic10
• Republican3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Nathalia Fernandez says this is needed

Recovery Ready Workplace (RRW) initiatives have been initiated around the country as an important intervention in the opioid/substance use disorder (OUD/SUD) crisis. The goal of RRW programs is to provide outreach, training, and certification to employers in cooperation with government officials, workers, labor unions, and communities to: 1) prevent initiation of new cases of misuse and addiction, 2) provide a pathway to treatment, recovery, and support for workers who are struggl- ing, and 3) provide healthy gainful employment for workers in recovery. Workers with painful injuries have frequently been overprescribed opioids, resulting in as many as 25% developing opioid dependence and OUD/SUD. A RRW program addresses prevention of addiction related to workplace injury and stress while also providing support for workers who are struggling and opportunities for people in recovery to reenter the workforce. Employment gives people in recovery purpose and routine, as well as the ability to be self-sufficient and to grow. The workplace is a key location for intervention where employers, labor unions, and communities can become active participants in preventing and responding to the substance use crisis. This requires multidisciplinary collaboration, integrating the prevention work of occupational safety and health professionals with workplace leaders and recovery organizations, into their communities' Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. Benefits to employers include money saved through reduced absenteeism, healthier work environment, greater productivity, lower health care costs, greater workplace safety, employee retention, and reduced recruitment and hiring costs.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.