Central OC Times

Assemblymember Diane Dixon of Newport Beach has introduced a bill targeting the improvement of rehabilitation outcomes in California's recovery homes. The bill, based on recommendations from the California State Auditor’s Office, aims to enhance oversight by the Department of Health Care Services.

In October, an audit report requested by Dixon examined how the department manages residential drug and alcohol recovery facilities. “After more than a year of anxiously waiting, we received the results from the audit report,” said Assemblymember Dixon. “Now we have an opportunity to implement the recommendations to improve how the Department handles treatment facilities.”

The proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 3, seeks to maintain the legislature's original intent to deinstitutionalize individuals dealing with addiction. It proposes limiting licenses for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities when they are located near each other and share resources such as amenities, staff, and ownership. These shared facilities currently function as larger entities beyond the six-resident maximum, creating institutionalized settings.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to address concerns with these operations,” said Assemblymember Dixon. “We want people to receive the treatment they need to get better. It is our job in the Legislature to make sure patients have a safe environment where they can get well.”

The bill will next proceed to the Assembly Committee on Rules for referral to a policy committee where it will be further debated.