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HB 1249

Certified Recovery Residences - Refusing Services to Individuals Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment - Prohibition

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terri Hill

Maryland bill prohibits certified recovery residences from denying services to individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 793
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Bill Summary · HB 1249

Legislative bill overview

HB 1249 prohibits certified recovery residences in Maryland from refusing services to individuals who are receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) such as methadone or buprenorphine. The bill establishes that MAT recipients cannot be excluded from these facilities based solely on their medication status.

Why is this important

Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based medical approach recognized by health authorities as effective for opioid use disorder recovery. This bill addresses a real barrier where some recovery residences have historically denied admission to people on MAT, potentially forcing individuals to choose between medical treatment and stable housing—a choice that can undermine recovery outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Facility autonomy vs. anti-discrimination: Recovery residences may argue about their independence to set house rules, while advocates contend that blanket MAT bans constitute discrimination against a protected medical treatment
  • Program philosophy differences: Some recovery-oriented facilities operate on abstinence-only philosophies and may view MAT as incompatible with their approach, though medical evidence supports MAT as legitimate treatment
  • Implementation enforcement: Questions about how violations would be monitored and what penalties apply to certified facilities that violate the prohibition

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

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