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A 817

Requires mental health evaluations for participants in substance use disorder treatment programs

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Kassay and 2 co-sponsors

Requires mental health evaluations for participants in substance use disorder treatment programs to identify co-occurring conditions and inform care.

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Bill Summary · A 817

Summary: Bill A 817 — Requires Mental Health Evaluations for Participants in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs

Overview

Bill A 817 seeks to mandate mental health evaluations for individuals enrolled in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs. The bill is currently in the Assembly and referred to the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse committee. It was introduced on January 8, 2025, with Phil Steck listed as the primary sponsor. Related bills from prior sessions include A 9097 and A 4440.

Purpose and Intent

  • Primary aim: Ensure that participants in SUD treatment programs receive a mental health evaluation.
  • Rationale (inferred from the title): Identify co-occurring mental health conditions to inform treatment planning and improve outcomes for individuals undergoing substance use treatment.

Key Provisions (as reflected by the bill’s title and status)

  • The bill would require mental health evaluations for participants in SUD treatment programs.
  • Specific details (who conducts the evaluation, timing (e.g., at intake vs. periodic reevaluation), scope of evaluation, tools used, confidentiality, and procedures for follow-up care) are not provided in the information available here. The full text would clarify these mechanics, including any exemptions, pilot provisions, or phased implementation if included.

Affected Parties and Systems

  • Primary impact: Participants enrolled in substance use disorder treatment programs.
  • Service providers: SUD treatment centers, clinics, and allied health professionals would be responsible for conducting or commissioning mental health evaluations and integrating findings into treatment plans.
  • Funding/implementation: The bill’s fiscal and administrative implications would depend on who bears the costs of evaluations and whether programs receive state support or reimbursement mechanisms.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (listed twice in the actions you provided, indicating formal committee referral on the same date).
  • Next steps: If advanced, the committee could hold hearings, amend the bill, and move it to broader floor consideration, followed by the Senate counterpart (if applicable) and potential negotiations.

Related Legislation

  • A 9097 and A 4440 are noted as prior-session related bills. These may share themes or serve as predecessors or companion measures; comparing their text could illuminate likely provisions and debates.

Notes for Readers

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and status; full provisions (definitions, implementation timeline, funding, and enforcement mechanisms) would be detailed in the enacted bill text.

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

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