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SB 1352

An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, providing for issuance of licenses by Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Brooks and 12 co-sponsors

The bill would make the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs the primary licenser for addiction treatment providers, aiming to streamline and centralize the licensure process.

Referred to Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1352

Overview

Senate Bill 1352 (2025-2026 Regular Session, Pennsylvania) would amend the Human Services Code to modify departmental powers and duties related to licensing, specifically providing for the issuance of licenses by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). The bill is sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks and has a broad group of co-sponsors from both chambers. As of the latest action, it was referred to the Health & Human Services Committee on June 4, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Primary aim: Streamline and clarify the licensing process for addiction treatment providers by authorizing or reorganizing licensing authority within the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
  • The memo accompanying the bill emphasizes “Streamlining Licensure for Addiction Treatment Providers,” signaling a focus on reducing barriers and potentially expediting licensure within the addiction treatment sector.

Key Provisions and Changes (substantive)

  • Amends the Human Services Code (act of June 13, 1967) to revise departmental powers and duties specifically related to licensing.
  • Establishes or clarifies the authority of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to issue licenses for addiction treatment providers.
  • The exact procedural steps, criteria for licensure, inspection frequency, renewal timelines, and compliance standards are not fully detailed in the summary materials provided; the bill text (PN 1771) would contain those specifics.
  • Likely intended effects include:
    • Centralizing licensure decisions for addiction treatment providers under DDAP.
    • Potential alignment of licensure processes with program standards, accreditation, and state regulatory requirements.
    • Possible streamlining measures to reduce processing time or administrative burden for providers seeking licensure.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Addiction treatment providers operating in Pennsylvania that require state licensure.
  • Entities seeking licensing for programs such as detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and related services overseen by DDAP.
  • DDAP as the primary licensing authority, with corresponding changes to delegated duties, compliance oversight, and enforcement practices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Health & Human Services Committee on June 4, 2026.
  • Next steps typically involve committee review, potential amendments, and eventual floor votes in the Senate and House, followed by possible signing by the Governor.
  • The bill’s life cycle and any fiscal impact analyses (e.g., cost to administer the streamlined licensure process, potential savings for providers) would be detailed in committee materials or fiscal notes attached to the bill.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access and Efficiency: If enacted, providers may experience faster licensure timelines and clearer processes, improving access to addiction treatment services for Pennsylvanians.
  • Regulatory Alignment: Centralizing licensing under DDAP could improve consistency with addiction treatment program standards and funding streams.
  • Oversight and Compliance: Enhanced state oversight could strengthen quality and safety standards but may require capacity improvements within DDAP to handle licensing throughput.
  • Economic Impact: Smaller providers or new entrants might face changes in fees, application requirements, or renewal processes; details would be in the full bill text.

Note

For a complete understanding of licensure standards, examination of the full text (SB 1352, PN 1771) is needed to identify specific licensing criteria, application procedures, fee schedules, exemptions, renewal cycles, and enforcement mechanisms. The current summary reflects the bill’s high-level purpose and anticipated impact based on available information and the accompanying memo on streamlining licensure.

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

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