AB 425: Certification of alcohol or other drug programs.

The bill requires the state department of health care services to adopt evidence-based standards for alcohol and other drug programs. The department must use the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) treatment criteria or an equivalent standard as the minimum standard of care for certified programs. Certified programs must maintain these standards with respect to the level of care provided. The department is authorized to implement these provisions through plan or provider bulletins until regulations are adopted, with the requirement for regulations to be adopted by January 1, 2027.