By Alison Knopf
Florida Governor Rick Scott signed HB 21 in March, providing more than $65 million to support opioid treatment. This included $16.5 million for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, and $14.6 million for enhancements to the substance use disorder system of care, according to David Frady, spokesman for the Department of Children and Families (DCF). “DCF is absolutely committed to ensuring an adequate service network for individuals in crisis and in need of substance abuse services,” Mr. Frady told AT Forum. “Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature have increased substance abuse treatment funding every year since 2013, and DCF will continue to pursue additional funding opportunities to enhance the services provided to individuals struggling with addiction.”
The new funding, along with federal grants, such as the Opioid STR grant, will provide additional treatment for opioid use disorders.
In addition, Section 397.427, Florida Statutes, requires DCF to conduct a needs-assessment for establishing providers of medication-assisted treatment services for opiate addiction, said Mr. Frady. DCF is updating the Methadone Needs Assessment rule.
The STR grant will not fund any new OTPs, said Mr. Frady. Most of it is allocated to methadone and buprenorphine maintenance programs.
For the draft of the new Methadone Needs Assessment rule, go to:
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/publicnotices/20180514/DRAFT%2065D-30%20014.pdf
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/publicnotices/20180514/DRAFT%20CF-MH%204038.pdf