California § 11832.9 - Alcohol and other drug programs that are certified in accordance with this chapte

§ 11832.9. Alcohol and other drug programs that are certified in accordance with this chapte

(a) Alcohol and other drug programs that are certified in accordance with this chapter shall either offer medications for addiction treatment (MAT) directly to clients, or have an effective referral process in place with narcotic treatment programs, community health centers, or other MAT providers. (b) An effective referral process shall include an established relationship with an MAT provider and transportation to appointments for MAT. Providing contact information for an MAT provider does not meet the requirement of an effective referral. (c) Certified alcohol and other drug programs shall implement and maintain an MAT policy approved by the department. The MAT policy shall do all of the following: (1) Explain how a client receives information about the benefits and risks of MAT. (2) Describe the availability of MAT at the program, if applicable, or the referral process for MAT. (3) Identify an evidence-based assessment for determining a client’s MAT needs. (4) Address administration, storage, and disposal of MAT, if applicable. (5) Outline training for staff about the benefits and risks of MAT. (6) Outline training for staff on the MAT policy. (d) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section through the use of all-county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.