Georgia lawmakers propose standards for substance abuse recovery groups
ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers are advancing legislation that would establish state standards for recovery support organizations that assist people struggling with substance abuse, aiming to improve oversight of groups that currently operate without formal regulation.
The proposal would create a certification process for peer recovery support organizations through the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. These organizations provide counseling, housing assistance, and other services to people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
State Rep. Shea Roberts, who sponsors the House version of the bill, said the legislation addresses concerns about unqualified organizations taking advantage of vulnerable populations. Currently, no state oversight exists for many recovery support groups operating across Georgia.
Certification Requirements Proposed
Under the proposed standards, recovery organizations would need to meet specific training requirements for staff members and demonstrate financial accountability. The certification would be voluntary but could help legitimize organizations seeking state funding or insurance reimbursements.
Organizations would be required to have at least one certified peer recovery support specialist on staff. These specialists must complete 40 hours of training and pass an exam administered by the state department.
The legislation also would establish guidelines for housing programs operated by recovery organizations. Many groups provide sober living environments, but current regulations vary widely across different jurisdictions.
Support from Recovery Advocates
Several recovery advocacy groups have endorsed the proposal, according to Roberts. They argue that standardization would help families identify reputable organizations and protect people in early stages of recovery from potential exploitation.
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse said the legislation could help address gaps in the state’s recovery support system. Georgia has seen rising rates of overdose deaths in recent years, particularly from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
State health officials reported more than 1,800 overdose deaths in Georgia during 2023, according to preliminary data from the Department of Public Health.
Implementation Timeline
The legislation would take effect in January 2025 if approved by both chambers of the General Assembly. The Department of Behavioral Health would have six months to develop specific certification criteria and begin accepting applications.
Roberts said she expects the bill to receive bipartisan support given the widespread impact of substance abuse across Georgia communities. Similar legislation has been enacted in other states, including North Carolina and Tennessee.
The proposal currently sits in the House Health and Human Services Committee, where lawmakers are reviewing details about funding and enforcement mechanisms. Committee members have scheduled additional hearings to gather input from recovery organizations and advocacy groups.
State officials estimate the certification program would cost approximately $500,000 annually to operate, funded through application fees and existing departmental resources.
Sources: Georgia Recorder
