Our Legislative Priorities
SAARA is a statewide organization that advocates, educates, and supports individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and the disease of addiction. As such, we are committed to working with Virginia legislators to promote pro-recovery policies and reforms, such as:
Increasing Medicaid Reimbursement Rate for Peer Recovery Specialist and Family Support Partners in inpatient and outpatient services.
- Services are currently reimbursable at $26 per hour. Many agencies do not bill Medicaid because the cost involved with billing exceeds the gain.
- Current reimbursement rates hinder PRS full-time employment limiting access to this valuable recovery service in the community. SAARA supports increasing PRS in the workforce and reimbursement rate increases to $52 per hour.
Limiting the scope of Barrier Crimes for SUD/Mental Health Peer Recovery Specialist.
- Support restructuring of the assessment protocol and screening procedures to include screening prior to an offer of employment. Support the elimination of certain barrier crimes for individuals with non-violent felony and misdemeanors, including minor drug charges.
- Support sealing of records and expungement of crimes for non-violent crimes.
Increasing funding for state Comprehensive Harm Reduction programs
- Supports increased funding for [VA Code § 32.1-45.4] scientifically proven methods of mitigating health risks associated with drug use and other high-risk behaviors, to include providing sterile hypodermic needles and syringes and disposing used hypodermic needles and syringes.
Working with coalition partners to reform Drug and Criminal Justice Policy
- Support the expansion of evidence-based recovery programs in the criminal justice system. Programs such as O.R.B.l.T. in Henrico County and HARP in Chesterfield County. These programs help inmates in recovery.
Establishing a Paid Family and Medical Leave insurance program in the Commonwealth that protect jobs while individuals receive treatment for SUD/mental health recovery.
- Ensure Virginians have access to paid leave financed by small contributions from employers and employees.
Establishing new Recovery High School in Chesterfield County
- SAARA supports the creation of a pilot Recovery High School in Chesterfield County for students struggling with Substance Use Disorder.
