Alcohol and drug recovery: licensed treatment facilities and certified programs: investigations

The law establishes timelines for handling complaints and requires annual public reporting on investigation volume, type, and delays.

What the law does ​

• Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to assign complaints within its jurisdiction to an analyst within 10 days.
• Requires written notice, when feasible, to complainants whose complaints fall outside the department's jurisdiction.
• Requires investigations to be completed within 120 days after assignment, unless the department needs help from other state agencies or additional resources.
• Requires the department to keep records of all investigations, including those unfinished after 120 days.
• Requires annual online reports beginning July 1, 2027, showing investigation totals, types, and the number not completed within 120 days.
• Allows one fee increase for facility licenses and program certifications to cover reasonable reporting costs.

Who it affects ​

• Licensed alcohol or other drug recovery and treatment facilities.
• Certified alcohol or other drug programs.
• People who file complaints about those facilities or programs.
• The State Department of Health Care Services.