Committee backs program to certify ‘recovery‑ready’ workplaces to help workers with substance‑use disorders

Summary

SB 98 (sub 2) would authorize DHHS to create a certification for ‘recovery‑ready’ workplaces that adopt policies such as naloxone availability, employee resource groups, return‑to‑work protocols and use of benefits for treatment; the committee favorably recommended the measure after testimony that it can aid workforce retention and recovery.

The committee favorably recommended Senate Bill 98, which would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to create a rule‑based certification for recovery‑ready workplaces. Sponsors and health experts said the program would encourage employers to adopt prevention, early‑detection, treatment‑referral and return‑to‑work policies that support employees with substance‑use disorders.

Dr. Melissa Chen, an occupational and addiction medicine physician, testified that recovery‑friendly workplace practices are business‑friendly and help retain experienced workers while lowering absenteeism and workers’ compensation costs. Examples cited by witnesses and employers included having naloxone on site, establishing employee resource/support groups for employees in recovery, clear return‑to‑work protocols tied to health‑plan options and coordination with FMLA and EAP services.

Recovery advocates and behavioral‑health providers signaled support and said certification would help them refer clients to employers likely to provide a safer, longer‑term place for recovery. The committee adopted the substitute and recommended SB 98 sub 2 favorably.