Sacramento, CA– Assemblywoman Laurie Davies’ bill to protect families from questionable sober living
facilities was signed into law. AB 2081 requires homes providing drug and alcohol abuse treatment to provide prospective patients with a disclosure directing them to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) website where a facility’s license may be confirmed, as well as any notices of operating in violation of state law or regulations.
“This bill is a common-sense step forward that empowers patients and their families to make informed decisions about much needed rehabilitation care,” stated Davies. “Patients’ vulnerable lives are at stake and this law is the first step in holding treatment facilities accountable while also giving residents the chance for safer neighborhoods.”
For people in recovery, residential housing facilities can provide a safe environment for their sober transition back into their community. However, when these facilities are run ineffectively and without oversight, the opposite can happen. Patients can relapse, become homeless, and in extreme cases, die. For too long, the state’s refusal to implement comprehensive reform has endangered the safety of patients and impacted local communities.
Mismanagement in these facilities affects those living in the neighborhood. Without effective care, there are instances where children and adults in nearby homes experience confrontation with unsupervised patients. This puts everyone’s livelihoods at risk, causing fear and the lack of a safe community as a result.
“This law is the beginning of our effort to stem the tide of years of inaction,” added Davies. “It will make real progress in addressing the lack of transparency, accountability, and oversight of recovery housing facilities. This bill, receiving bipartisan support, shows a commitment to finding legislative solutions that safeguard every person’s well-being and care — both inside and outside recovery homes.”