Alcohol and other drug programs: complaints.

Assembly Member Davies' proposal to modify California's oversight of alcohol and drug treatment facilities centers on new requirements for handling public complaints. The Department of Health Care Services would need to acknowledge receipt of complaints about licensed or potentially unlicensed facilities within 10 days, then notify complainants upon case closure about whether any violations were found.

The measure adds notification requirements to the existing regulatory framework for alcohol and drug recovery facilities, which requires state licensure to provide treatment or detoxification services. Under the proposed system, the department must inform individuals who file complaints about both the initial receipt and final disposition of their cases. The closure notification must specify if the department's investigation revealed violations of facility licensing rules.

These changes would apply to complaints about both licensed treatment centers and facilities allegedly operating without required licenses. The proposal maintains current licensing standards while adding procedural steps focused on communication between regulators and members of the public who report concerns.