SACRAMENTO (December 2, 2024) – Today, Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) introduced her first bill aimed at improving rehabilitation outcomes in recovery homes in California.
The language of the bill is based on recommendations provided by the California State Auditor’s Office. In October, the Auditor released a report requested by the Assemblymember that looked into how the Department of Health Care Services handles oversight of residential drug and alcohol recovery and treatment 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.”
Assembly Bill 3 will ensure that the original intent of the legislature to deinstitutionalize individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction is upheld. This critical bill will limit licenses for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities licensed under the Department of Health Care Services when facilities are nearby and share the same amenities, staff, and ownership. Currently, these facilities are effectively operating as a larger facility, over the six resident maximum, by sharing critical infrastructure and creating an institutionalized environment.
“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.”
Next, the bill will be sent to the Assembly Committee on Rules, which will determine which policy committee the measure will be referred to. The measure’s fate will then be debated by the committee members.