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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Amendment

House Appropriations and Finance Committee amendment removes the appropriations section from the bill.

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 467 appropriates 700.0 to the Department of Health for expenditure in FY 2000 for the purpose of establishing a northern New Mexico substance abuse treatment pilot project that will provide inpatient substance abuse treatment to any resident of Rio Arriba or Santa Fe counties who voluntarily admits himself. The bill provides for specific interventions that must be included including a three month duration, necessary medication, and employment skills component, and a requirement to not report any patient to law enforcement authorities. The bill requires the department to seek federal funding for this project and to report to the legislature by December 1st of each year. The funding is appropriated in FY 2000 and is for expenditure for each fiscal year through FY 2004.

Significant Issues

The addition of publically funded inpatient treatment beds for substance abuse in northern New Mexico is needed. With the potential closing of the Southern New Mexico Rehabilitation Center in Roswell and the lack of treatment beds at Turquoise Lodge in Albuquerque, there is a serious need that is not being addressed at the present time. Patients in northern New Mexico have no real alternatives if they have a substance abuse problem and do not have an accompanying mental illness issue which could be treated at the Las Vegas Medical Center.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The Department of Health has the necessary fiscal units to monitor and provide financial and technical assistance for this pilot project. The department is also the appropriate authority for the request for federal funding and for the administration of those funds.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The administration of this program is within the budgeted resources of this department.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The issue of the relationship between this treatment facility and law enforcement authorities needs further exploration as the requirement of non- reporting of patients to the proper law enforcement authorities may place the staff of the treatment center in jeopardy from the judicial branch because they did not report a wanted person which may violate a law.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. How many beds are envisioned by the appropriation of these monies? Are there federal funds available for this purpose?

MB/njw