Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 13, 2019 03:19 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Steven J. Santarsiero |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting Patient Brokering |
| Recovering from addiction takes incredible strength, commitment and discipline. While most substance abuse treatment providers take their responsibility seriously and are dedicated to the recovery of their patients, some families can fall prey to unscrupulous people using a desperate situation for their own personal gain. Too often, patients in search of life-saving assistance are lured to facilities that may provide little or no treatment, and can lead to more problems, including financial ruin and even death. This predatory behavior, known as patient brokering, occurs when someone solicits another person into a rehab, recovery or treatment center in return for money, perks or other compensation. An unfortunate symptom of the opioid epidemic, patient brokering not only raises the cost of health insurance for everyone, more importantly, it puts the lives of those in need of effective treatment in danger. My legislation would put an end to this practice by criminalizing patient brokering to and from health care providers and facilities, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, recovery houses, and assisted living residences. Entering treatment can be a pivotal step in one’s recovery journey, and we must be sure that they are able to do so in a safe and supportive environment. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as SB713