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Health Policy Commission Emergency Department Medication-Assisted Treatment Pilot Program

SECTION 178.   The health policy commission, in consultation with the department of public health, shall implement a 2-year pilot program to further test a model of emergency department initiated medication-assisted treatment, including but not limited to buprenorphine and naltrexone, for individuals suffering from a substance use disorder. The program shall include referral to and connection with outpatient medication assisted treatment with the goals of increasing rates of engagement and retention in evidence-based treatment. The commission shall implement the program at no more than 3 sites in the commonwealth which shall be selected by the commission through a competitive process. Applicants shall demonstrate community need and the capacity to implement the integrated model aimed at providing care for individuals with substance use disorders who present in the emergency setting with symptoms of an overdose or after being administered naloxone. The commission shall consider evidence-based practices from successful programs implemented nationally in the development of the program. The commission may direct not more than $3,000,000 from the Distressed Hospital Trust Fund established in section 2GGGG of chapter 29 of the General Laws to fund the implementation of the program. The commission shall report to the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than 12 months following completion of the program on the results of the program, including effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.