House panel approves recovery-residence bill after debate over medication-assisted-treatment language
Loading...
Summary
PCS for HB 923, which clarifies regulation of recovery residences, was reported favorably (10–4) after opponents — including the Florida Association of Recovery Residences — urged preserving a certification-linked requirement that ensured access for people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT); sponsor signaled ongoing negotiations.
Representative Owen described PCS for HB 923 as a measure to provide regulatory clarity for sober homes and recovery residences, addressing license transfers, probationary licensing for existing providers and resident certification.
David Roberts of the Florida Association of Recovery Residences opposed deletion of a statutory subsection (cited in committee as "397.487 sub 13") that had been enacted to address public-health access concerns for people receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Roberts told committee members the 2024 provision and subsequent Department of Children and Families (DCF) outreach had increased statewide access for clients on MAT and cited an NIH study referenced in his remarks showing lower overdose deaths among people on MAT. He urged compromise language, warning that removing the statutory link to certification could reverse progress.
Representative Eskamani said she wanted more information and planned to vote against the committee bill for now; Representative Owen said federal law also covers some issues and that he intended to continue stakeholder discussions. After sponsor closing, the committee reported PCS for HB 923 favorably by recorded vote, 10 yeas, 4 nays.
The committee record shows the MAT issue remains unresolved in text that passed committee and will likely be the subject of further negotiation as the bill moves forward.
