SPENCER’s Law:
Ethics and Safety Standards for Substance Use Disorder Treatment

 

Synopsis

SPENCER’S Law establishes ethical standards and accountability for substance use disorder treatment providers. Designed to address systemic gaps in patient safety, fiduciary responsibility, and care coordination, this legislation integrates evidence-based practices and harm reduction principles to improve treatment outcomes and prevent overdose deaths.
 

Key Provisions

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Fiduciary Responsibilities: Requires facilities to uphold ethical care standards, ensuring patient safety and financial transparency.

Patient Safety Protocols: Implements discharge standards, harm reduction measures, and relapse prevention safeguards.

Care Coordination: Streamlines communication across providers, expands HIPAA flexibility, and mandates participation in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).

Evidence-Based Practices: Aligns treatment models with the latest guidelines from addiction medicine experts.

Promotes access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Oversight & Enforcement: Establishes rights of civil action and empowers health agencies to enforce compliance. 

Impact

Protects vulnerable patients from unsafe and exploitative treatment environments.

Reduces relapse and overdose risks by ensuring quality care throughout recovery transitions.

Provides cost-effective solutions by improving long-term health outcomes with minimal financial burden.
 

Call to Action

Congress can lead in advancing public health reforms by supporting SPENCER'S Law, creating national standards for addiction recovery care that protect lives while ensuring accountability across the healthcare system.