WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 2562

Alcohol or other drug recovery and treatment programs and facilities: suicide prevention.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Diane Dixon

Requires licensed AOD facilities to have a suicide prevention plan and naloxone readiness; certified programs must include such plans in manuals.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (June 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
#alcoholorotherdrugrecoveryandtreatmentprogramsandfacilities #suicideprevention
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 2562

Summary of AB 2562 (2025-2026) – California

Purpose and intent

AB 2562 would require alcohol and other drug (AOD) recovery and treatment facilities to address suicide prevention as part of their program requirements. The bill adds a specific mandate for licensed facilities to develop a suicide prevention plan and, for certified programs, to include a suicide prevention plan in their operation manual. It also sets implementation timelines for regulations and possible department guidance in the interim.

Key provisions and changes

  • Suicide prevention requirement for licensed facilities

    • Licensed alcohol or other drug recovery or treatment facilities must develop a suicide prevention plan.
    • The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) would implement this requirement initially via bulletin or all-county/all-provider letters after stakeholder input, until formal regulations are promulgated.

  • Suicide prevention provisions for certified programs

    • Certified AOD programs must include a suicide prevention plan in their operation manual.

  • Regulatory timeline

    • DHCS must promulgate regulations implementing the suicide prevention requirement no later than January 1, 2031.
    • For certain related provisions (relapse planning and related procedures), the bill allows interim guidance to be issued by bulletin or letters with regulations to follow (target dates included:
    • July 1, 2027 for implementing relapse-related subdivisions (d and f).
    • January 1, 2031 for the suicide prevention plan requirement (g)(1).)

  • Naloxone and overdose response

    • Facilities must maintain at least two unexpired doses of naloxone (or FDA-approved opioid antagonist) on the premises.
    • At least one staff member on the premises must know the location of the naloxone and be trained in its administration.
    • Documentation of staff training on naloxone administration must be placed in the staff member’s personnel file.
    • Trained staff who administer naloxone in good faith are shielded from civil liability or criminal prosecution, with usual exceptions for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  • Administrative and process references

    • The bill makes a technical, nonsubstantive change to existing license reinstatement provisions.
    • Sections amended include Health and Safety Code sections 11832.8, 11834.26, and 11834.38, among related references.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed facilities (adult AOD recovery or treatment facilities providing residential nonmedical services) would be newly required to develop a suicide prevention plan.
  • Certified programs operating under DHCS regulations would need to incorporate suicide prevention planning into their operation manuals.
  • Facility staff and administrators would bear additional responsibilities for suicide prevention planning, naloxone stocking and training, and ensuring appropriate documentation.
  • DHCS would oversee development and promulgation of implementing regulations and issue interim guidance as needed.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill authorizes DHCS to implement the suicide prevention requirement via administrative guidance (bulletins/letters) before regulations are in place.
  • Regulations to implement the suicide prevention requirement must be promulgated by January 1, 2031.
  • Related relapse-relief planning provisions have a separate implementation timeline, with regulations due by July 1, 2027, and interim guidance possible in the meantime.
  • The bill’s action history shows standard legislative processing, including committee referrals and approvals, with the author and co-sponsor noted (Diane Dixon).

Practical impact and considerations

  • If enacted, facilities would need to develop formal suicide prevention plans and ensure staff are trained and equipped to respond to overdose situations.
  • The inclusion of suicide prevention in operation manuals could standardize procedures across licensed and certified programs, potentially improving safety and care continuity for residents.
  • The phased regulatory timeline provides time for stakeholder input and program adjustment before formal requirements take full effect.

Note: The summary reflects the bill text and stated provisions as filed, including proposed timelines for regulations and interim guidance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.