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Debate over rehab facility licenses

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On Wednesday, August 12 Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) announced a working group to review and revise the licensing process for residential substance abuse treatment centers.

In 2011 the state updated its licensing requirements for residential treatment centers. That update roughly coincided with provisions of the Affordable Care Act that require Medicaid and private insurers to cover drug abuse treatment. Residential treatment centers interested in billing Medicaid had to meet the new state and federal regulations.

The regulations cover everything from bedroom square footage to carbon monoxide detectors.

Some residential treatment centers say that the regulations are overly burdensome. Serenity Place in Manchester would have to spend over $1 million and reduce beds to meet the requirements, according to the Union Leader.

"We have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that residential treatment centers are safe for their residents and their staffs, but we must also make sure regulations do not erect unnecessary barriers to new treatment options," said Gov. Hassan.

On the other hand, residential treatment centers have had two years to satisfy the new regulations. The Concord Monitor reported that twelve residential treatment facilities are already in compliance.

While regulators may choose to waive some requirements on bedroom size, other regulations, such as electrical standards and fire protection, are essential for patient safety.

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