Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a formal program inside Rhode Island's Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) — the state's main prison and jail system — to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to incarcerated people who have opioid use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, to help people manage opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications are widely recognized by medical experts as effective tools for treating opioid dependency.

The bill would affect any person held at the ACI who struggles with opioid use disorder, giving them access to these treatments while they are incarcerated. Currently, access to such medications in correctional facilities can be limited or inconsistent. By establishing a dedicated program, the bill aims to make this treatment a standard, available option rather than something that depends on individual circumstances or facility decisions.

The broader impact of this bill extends beyond the prison walls. People who receive consistent treatment for opioid use disorder while incarcerated are generally better positioned to continue their recovery after release, which can reduce the chances of relapse and re-incarceration. The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.