RCPA has formalized its opposition to SB 716 in a brief position paper. Senator Laughlin’s SB 716 would amend Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA) by defining substance use disorder (SUD) as a mental illness, thereby subjecting those with an SUD to the same procedures outlined in MHPA, including an involuntary commitment to a 120-hour hold in a psychiatric hospital, which is commonly referred to as a 302 (Section 302 of MHPA).
RCPA determined its position after months of discussion and analysis, including:
- Written input from the entire RCPA SUD treatment provider membership;
- Extensive conversations and meetings with RCPA members, including SUD and mental health treatment providers, the SUD Steering Committee, and governmental entities;
- Multiple meetings with staff from key legislators’ offices, including Sen. Laughlin;
- Multiple meetings with the Shapiro administration; and
- A review of published research detailing experiences other states have had with involuntary commitment for SUD.
RCPA has offered to work with the legislature and Sen. Laughlin to implement alternative strategies that are proven effective in reducing overdoses and connecting those with SUD to treatment.
