Advocacy Alert: AATA Supports California SB 1268

March 29, 2018

California is joining the list of states considering targeted legislation to combat the abusive and destructive practice of patient brokering in the addiction treatment industry.

SB 1268, introduced by Senator Steven Bradford last month, would prohibit the giving or receiving of remuneration or anything of value in exchange for the referral of a prospective patient seeking treatment for substance use disorders. A violation of the proposed new provisions of the California Health and Safety Code would make patient brokering a misdemeanor subject to criminal penalties and a fine up to $2,500 per violation. Violations of the proposed law could also lead to disciplinary actions by the Department of Health Care Services, including licensure revocations for any counselors or facilities involved.

AATA supports SB 1268 and the legislative efforts to protect prospective patients seeking important addiction treatment services. Patient brokering is unethical and it should be a crime.

Please contact either Senator Bradford or Senator Ed Hernandez, Chair of the Senate Health Committee, and tell them you support SB 1268.

Questions? Concerns?

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