Designates services to be provided by a jail-based substance use disorder treatment, peer led recovery support services…

• Democratic3
• Republican1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Pete Harckham says this is needed

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be used as a part of an evidence-based treatment program to treat opioid use disorder. When an individual with an opioid use disorder enters a correctional facility and their access to opioids is abruptly discontinued, they experience withdrawal. According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), with- drawal from an opioid while in jail can be incredibly dangerous and result in severe injury or even death. Methadone and buprenorphine are two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder. These medica- tions can ease the symptoms of a person with opioid use disorder in withdrawal, and make them less likely to use opioids in the future. Another FDA-approved medication, Naltrexone, blocks the painkilling and euphoric effects of opioids- making it an effective option for prevent- ing overdose and discouraging opioid use in both incarcerated settings, and after release. Peer-led recovery support is an evidence-based model of care in which a certified peer support practitioner assists individuals with recovery. According to a study published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), peer support in jails and prisons is associ- ated with a decrease in the risk of recidivism and lower substance use. Peer specialists can be used for support while incarcerated, community reintegration, and connection to services. Transition services can be coordinated by numerous stakeholders in both correctional facilities and the community, including but not limited to peer specialists, community treatment centers, and parole and probation officers. These services are essential in providing that formerly incarcerated persons have the tools at their disposal in order to continue treatment without interruption, gain access to employment and housing, and meet the requirements set forth by a parole or probation officer if under community supervision. By designating medication-assisted treatment, peer led recovery support services, and transition services as essential medical care, this legis- lation fills the gaps in the current treatment programs found in New York State correctional facilities and will provide incarcerated indi- viduals with the resources necessary to recover from substance use disorder and reintegrate back into the community.

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.