Alcoholism or drug abuse treatment facilities: County of Orange pilot program.

Assembly Member Davies proposes establishing a pilot program in Orange County that would place a state investigator locally to oversee licensed drug and alcohol treatment facilities, marking a shift from the current centralized oversight model maintained by the State Department of Health Care Services.

The pilot program would operate through a contract between the state department and Orange County, contingent on the County Board of Supervisors opting to participate. Under the agreement, the department would assign a Substance Use Disorder Compliance Division investigator to examine complaints against licensed treatment facilities within county borders. The county would provide office space and reimburse the state for administrative costs, compensation, and benefits associated with the position.

The initiative includes defined evaluation requirements and timeframes. The pilot must conclude by December 31, 2029, after which Orange County would submit a report to the Legislature analyzing program results and recommending next steps. The program's authorizing provisions would expire on December 31, 2034, unless extended through subsequent legislation.