Sie sind auf Seite 1von 3
‘Te MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401-1991 House Special Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse December 11,2013, ‘The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, J, Co-Chairman ‘The Honorable Michael E. Busch, Co-Chairman Members of the Legislative Policy Committee Ladies and Gentlemen: | am pleased to report on the activites of the House Special Committee on Drug and Aleshol ‘Abuse during the 2013 interim, The special committee had one meeting which was held on December 4, 2013, ‘The Department of Heath and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) provided the committee with an overview of the behavioral health integration process. The committee was briefed by Dr. Gayle M.lordan-Randoiph, MD.. Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health and Disabilities, and Me, Charles J. Milligan, Jr, Deputy Sectetary for Health Care Financing, on the background of the integration process as weil as the key features of integration, including the increased focus on public health, prevention and early intervention, and the reduction of health disparities. The committee eared of the department's emphasis on data collection and analysis, which is crucial to delivering ‘more effective outcomes, such es reduction in the number of emergency room visits. DHMH reviewed the basics of the current public mental heath and substance use disorder systems and explained how they will function ones behavioral health integration is complete, Regulatory changes that wil be need to fully implement integration were also reviewed. DHMH also briefed the committee on some of its overall strategies to address substance abuse, The committee eared of the efforts to reduce overdoses, such as requiring local health ‘departments to submit overdose prevention plans to the department. ‘While the specific strategies the lca jurisdictions elect to use diffe, each of the plans is required to include certain components, including the education of the clinical community and outreach to high-risk individuals and ‘communities. Other efforts by DHMH to address overdose prevention include implementation ofthe Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and the Controlled Dangerous Substance Integration Unit, ‘which shares and analyzes information relating to the prescribing, dispensing, and use of contlled substances, DHMH reviewed the State's efforts to reduce college drinking, including collaborating ‘with schools to make sure they are able o effectively recognize students with potential substance use problems and connect them to the appropriate services. Statistics relating to problem solving courts ‘were also shared with the committee. For example, the committee learned that in fiscal 2013, 1,191 unique individuals entered drug court programs and 627 of those individuals graduated Dr. Jordan-Randolph stressed that this outcome was not surprising and reiterated that because substance use ean be a chronic medieal condition, it isnot uncommon for individuals to start and ‘The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, J, Co-Chairman ‘The Honorable Michael E. Busch, Co-Chaitman “Members of the Legislative Policy Committee December 11, 2013 Page 2 restart treatment programs several times. She noted the many factors influencing recovery, including finances, family support, and prior history of eriminal activity and substance use. “The committee also heard on a variety of issues from a panel of presenters organized by the Maryland Addictions Directors Couneil. The importance of preserving adequate funding for treatment was sessed, with a particular emphasis on the need for more affordable residential treatment. Ms. Gale Saler from Gaudenza, Inc, riterated the importance of integration and noted that in its facilis, the majority of residents are not therefor isolated afflictions but have mental health, substance use, and somatic health needs. The committee also leamed of issues with the shortage of behevioral health workers. Specifically as many ffom the eurent workforce rete from practic, there are cancers that bares to prctce, such asthe high cost of education and inequities in fees, ate preventing new individuals from joining the field. With the Affordable Care Act facilitating broader access to insurance, itis erucial that there be enough providers to serve all individuals who seek treatment. The committe learned of proposals to encourage more individuals to enter the field of behavioral health, including allowing professional counselors to be eligible for schoo! loan forgiveness or assistance with loan repayments, “The committee also heard fiom representatives from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence on concerns relating to criminal justice and substance use disorders. The dlficulties in being released from incarceration and having to find employment, housing health care, fc, were highlighted by an individual who had just experienced these challenges on being released fiom incarceration afer serving a sentence relating to his substance use disorder. The representative noted the importance of aflereare in the effort to successfully transition formerly incarerated individuals back into communities. With a high percentage of incarcerated individuals needing substance abuse services, the committee agrees that its imperative for DHMH to continue its efforts to have eligibility workers in the institutions to help individuals obtain or keep health insurance. The ‘committee was pleased to Tear tat the State is considered a national leader in these endeavors. Finally, we want to express our appreciation for the adviee and assistance of all the individuals who participated inthe committee's activities this year. Respectfully submitted, By Woldibuich. (Us) Jethey’D, whestcicher Chair JDWAKB\km ce: Members, House Sepcial Committee on Substance Abuse Mr. Karl §, Aro Mr, Warren G. Deschenaux Ms, Lynne S, Porter Maryland General Assembly House Special Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse 2013 Interim Membership Roster Delegate Jeffrey D. Waldstreicher, Chair Members Curtis 8. (Curt) Anderson Benjamin S. Bames Emmett C. Bums, J. Kathleen M. Dumais Adelaide C., Eckardt Committee Staff Jennifer K. Bots Efe C. Rife

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen