SAFE in Recovery Act

1/8/2025, 4:05 PM

Substance Use Disorder and Family Engagement in Recovery Act or the SAFE in Recovery Act

This bill expands services available to families affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and implements protections for parents seeking SUD treatment. 

Specifically, the bill requires health centers funded through the Community Health Center Fund (CHC Fund) to provide mental health and SUD treatment services, and provides funds to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement this change in FY2025. The bill also reauthorizes the CHC Fund through FY2028. Moreover, under the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Demonstration Program, the bill permits HHS to provide increased per-beneficiary payments for beneficiaries receiving pregnancy or postpartum services. 

As a condition of Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant funding, the bill restricts states from investigating and reporting pregnant and postpartum patients affected by SUD in specified instances. For example, the results of toxicology testing on patients taking prescription drugs (including drugs that treat SUD) in accordance with the recommendations of the prescribing doctor may not be the sole factor in a family separation determination. Further, states may not investigate a patient for child neglect or abuse, nor report them to a child protective services system, solely on account of their use of a prescription drug.

Finally, the bill establishes new federal efforts to study and fund care for families affected by SUD, including a consortium led by the National Institutes of Health to set research priorities related to SUD. 

The SAFE in Recovery Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 5866, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the issue of substance abuse and addiction among individuals who are in recovery.

The bill proposes several key provisions to support individuals in recovery, including expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, increasing funding for recovery support services, and implementing measures to prevent overdose deaths.

Additionally, the SAFE in Recovery Act aims to improve coordination between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to ensure that individuals in recovery receive the support they need to maintain their sobriety. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the resources and support available to individuals in recovery from substance abuse, with the ultimate goal of reducing the prevalence of addiction and improving outcomes for those seeking to overcome their substance use disorder.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 5866

Introduced on
2023-10-02

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

10/2/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Substance Use Disorder and Family Engagement in Recovery Act or the SAFE in Recovery Act

This bill expands services available to families affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and implements protections for parents seeking SUD treatment. 

Specifically, the bill requires health centers funded through the Community Health Center Fund (CHC Fund) to provide mental health and SUD treatment services, and provides funds to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement this change in FY2025. The bill also reauthorizes the CHC Fund through FY2028. Moreover, under the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Demonstration Program, the bill permits HHS to provide increased per-beneficiary payments for beneficiaries receiving pregnancy or postpartum services. 

As a condition of Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant funding, the bill restricts states from investigating and reporting pregnant and postpartum patients affected by SUD in specified instances. For example, the results of toxicology testing on patients taking prescription drugs (including drugs that treat SUD) in accordance with the recommendations of the prescribing doctor may not be the sole factor in a family separation determination. Further, states may not investigate a patient for child neglect or abuse, nor report them to a child protective services system, solely on account of their use of a prescription drug.

Finally, the bill establishes new federal efforts to study and fund care for families affected by SUD, including a consortium led by the National Institutes of Health to set research priorities related to SUD. 

The SAFE in Recovery Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 5866, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the issue of substance abuse and addiction among individuals who are in recovery.

The bill proposes several key provisions to support individuals in recovery, including expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, increasing funding for recovery support services, and implementing measures to prevent overdose deaths.

Additionally, the SAFE in Recovery Act aims to improve coordination between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to ensure that individuals in recovery receive the support they need to maintain their sobriety. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the resources and support available to individuals in recovery from substance abuse, with the ultimate goal of reducing the prevalence of addiction and improving outcomes for those seeking to overcome their substance use disorder.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo ensure comprehensive wraparound services for families impacted by substance use disorders, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Health

Comments

APPROVED
IP
Ila Pittman
@signatory_bruichladdich_blackberry18192
This bill is garbage.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/8/2025

Substance Use Disorder and Family Engagement in Recovery Act or the SAFE in Recovery Act

This bill expands services available to families affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and implements protections for parents seeki...


Latest Action12/17/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.