"Controlled substance." As defined in section 2 of the act
of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled
Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.
"Department." The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs of
the Commonwealth.
"Medication-assisted treatment." The use of medication, in
combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide
a whole-patient approach to the treatment of substance use
disorder.
"Secretary." The Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs of
the Commonwealth.
"Substance use disorder." A disease that affects an
individual's brain and behavior and which results in the
person's inability to control the use of a controlled substance
or of a legally prescribed drug or medication.
"Whole-patient approach." Accounting for, or at least
recognizing, previous life experience, expectations, education,
beliefs, stress, personality, support networks, social impact
and financial circumstances, which are inherent to the patient
and which are essential to the delivery of substance use
disorder treatment and the continuity of care.
ยง 52C02. Studies.
(a) Departmental study.--The secretary, in consultation with
the Department of Health and the Insurance Department, shall
study and report on existing barriers to effective treatment for
and recovery from substance use disorder, including addictions
to opioids, opiates and other controlled substances, that may be
the result of the current payment structures for treatment and
recovery services in both publicly and privately funded health
systems in this Commonwealth. The study shall include, but may
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