There is a variety of treatment options available in drug and alcohol rehabs in PA. Below is an overview of programs plus a review of recent state legislature aimed at supporting addiction recovery.
Program Options at Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in PA
Drug and alcohol rehabs in PA are required to gain licensure by the Division of Drug and Alcohol Program. Each treatment center may be free-standing or supervised by a health care facility such as a hospital. The following programs are regulated through the Division.
Inpatient hospital: This treatment program is held in a hospital and provides detox, rehab, and therapy.
Inpatient non-hospital: A residential center not within a hospital providing detox, rehab, and therapy.
Inpatient non-hospital transitional living: Known as a sober house, this provides residential sober living while transitioning to community life. Treatment does not take place on site.
Intake, evaluation and referral program: This program does not offer detox, rehab, or therapy. It evaluates and helps to place those seeking treatment in a proper setting.
Outpatient: Provides services to those seeking treatment in an office setting.
Partial hospitalization: Provides intensive services to patients living in the facility, but does not offer 24-hour care.
Psychiatric hospital: Provides 24-hour care and rehab services in a facility that also treats co-occurring disorders.
Freestanding treatment facility: Most drug and alcohol rehabs in PA fall into this category. The treatment center is not held in a health care facility.
License Procedures for Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in PA
Each site is inspected annually for compliance to state licensing guidelines. If a deficiency is found during the review, the facility will be issued a “Statement of Deficiencies” report. The treatment center must send a plan to correct the problems. If approved, a certificate of compliance is issued. This licensure process is only one way the state is reviewing drug treatment policies.
Statewide Hearings Assess Addiction Epidemic in PA
More than 3,500 people died in 2015 due to drug overdoses in PA. In response, the government held statewide hearings to assess what is happening from the viewpoint of the citizens. It is hoped these hearings provided information needed to make policy reform and help those struggling with addiction.
Laws Designed to Help Citizens Get help at Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in PA
Three Acts have been implemented to allow citizens get help from drug and alcohol rehabs in PA.
Act 106: Allows doctors and psychologists to order intervention services, addiction treatment, and family care covered under group insurance plans.
Act 152: Requires Medicaid to offer coverage for addiction treatment services.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: Requires health insurance carriers to offer behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment benefits.
Other Laws Helping Fight Addiction Epidemic
The following laws will help reduce faulty opioid prescribing and offer safe disposal of unwanted prescriptions.
Act 126 SB1367: Limits the ability to prescribe opioids to minors.
Act 125 SB1368: Establishes safe opioid prescribing curriculum for medical colleges and training facilities.
Act 124 SB1202: Reforms the Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Program. Prescribing physicians must check the monitoring program for every prescription issued. They must also log new prescriptions within 72 hours.
Act 122 HB1699: Limits Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Facilities to prescribe opioids for long-term use. Refills cannot be prescribed at these facilities.
Act 123 HB1737: Provides drop off locations for unused or unwanted prescriptions.
When Will Citizens See Improvement?
These laws are a step in the right direction toward reducing the addiction epidemic in PA. But, it will be some time before the insurance changes will be adopted statewide, giving citizens the ability to seek treatment in drug and alcohol rehabs in PA. In the meantime, if you or a loved one needs addiction treatment now, contact Aion recovery at 888-811-2879. We offer affordable treatment and payment plans for your budget.
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