.png)
Washington, DC — On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a modified version of H.R. 4684, the Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act, introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27). This bill would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop best practices for recovery residences that promote sustained recovery from substance use disorders. Recovery residences, often known as sober homes, are family-like, shared living environments that are free from alcohol and illicit drug use, and centered on peer support and connection to services that help individuals just out of treatment continue on their journey to recovery. Rep. Chu drafted this legislation after meeting with a constituent who lived in one of these homes and reported incidents of residence staff not recognizing the signs of overdose. Rep. Chu released the following statement:
“Somebody who takes the step to move into recovery from addiction should know they have the proper support and resources behind them. Yet, despite the growing epidemic in our country, there are no national standards for sober living homes. This results in the widespread existence of bad actors who take advantage of their residents. In some cases, residents died because staff was unable to recognize the signs of an overdose. Yesterday’s vote was a significant step forward for families struggling with opioid addiction who want to have confidence their loved ones are on their way to recovery. I’m so grateful the Committee approved this bill. The bipartisan support shows how necessary this bill is to help weed out bad actors and put more Americans on a successful path to recovery. I hope to see it passed by both the House and Senate and brought to the president’s desk soon.”
