The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Tolman, Steven (SEN)

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
                Court assembled:

                The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying bill:

An Act providing for a study of the central intake for the placement of substance abusers in treatment facilities.

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PETITION OF:

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. S01138 OF 2007-2008.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand and Nine

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An Act providing for a study of the central intake for the placement of substance abusers in treatment facilities.

                Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

            SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services shall conduct a study relative to the utilization of the central intake to place those with substance abuse and/or addiction needs in treatment facilities.

Said study shall determine whether said operations and procedures are adequate and necessary.  In making said determination, said office shall take into account the following, without limitation: the impact of said central intake on those with substance abuse and/or addiction problems and their families who utilize said central intake; the impact of said central intake on those with substance abuse and/or addiction problems and their families who do not utilize said central intake; the impact of said central intake on those treatment facilities who utilize said central intake; the impact of said central intake on those treatment facilities who do not utilize said central intake.  Said report shall contain the following, without limitation: detailed analysis of the aforementioned impacts; a detailed program evaluation; and a conclusion that includes a recommendation for the improvement or elimination of said central intake.

Said study shall make the appropriate recommendations for any corrective action consistent with the goal of increasing access for those with substance abuse and/or addiction needs to the necessary treatment facilities.

Results of said study shall be filed with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse not later than December 31, 2010