Opioid Treatment Expansion Bill Passes House

A bill to expand opioid treatment center options in Indiana passed the House this week, which would add nine treatment programs in the state.

Indiana currently has 18 opioid treatment center options and this bill would increase that number to 27. House Bill 1007 author Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer (R-Beech Grove) says the centers would be approved to operate at local hospitals that apply.

“So not only would you have the opioid treatment program, but you would have the benefit of having a hospital treatment team to provide other supportive services,” Kirchhofer says.

Kirchhofer says this will allow for more comprehensive wrap-around services like medical treatment and counseling.  The bill would open some credentialing avenues for mental health providers to treat people in recovery.

She says access to opioid treatment options is an issue for Hoosiers.

“Particularly underserved areas to have options to begin and sustain their recovery process,” Kirchhofer says.

The locations would be approved by the state’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction.

The legislation now goes to the Senate.