Senate committee hears broad support for bill that tightens behavioral-health contracting and penalizes uncertified recovery housing

COLUMBUS — The Senate Addiction and Community Revitalization Committee on April 9 heard testimony from behavioral-health providers and local boards backing Senate Bill 138, a measure that would revise Ohio law governing alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services to clarify contracting, data sharing and oversight and to add criminal penalties for certain uncertified recovery housing operations.

Proponents told the committee the bill is the product of extended negotiations among providers, county boards and state agencies and said it aims to protect patients, reduce disputes and improve continuity of care. "The updates made in this bill that address the board and provider contracting, audit and investigation guidance, and transition of care protections for patients in need of behavioral health services have been in the works for over many years," said Teresa Lampeau, CEO of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers.

The bill would, according to witnesses, clarify how Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental…