(a) It is the general purpose of this section to provide for a continuum of alcohol and drug detoxification and rehabilitation services to persons eligible for medical assistance. Facilities serving as appropriate treatment settings include hospital and nonhospital drug detoxification and rehabilitation facilities, hospital and nonhospital alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation facilities, and hospital and nonhospital drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation facilities and outpatient services licensed by the Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs of the Department of Health. The General Assembly recognizes that the fluctuating nature of alcohol and drug dependency, in combination with the associated physical complications often arising from long-term use of alcohol and drugs, necessitates that a variety of treatment modalities and settings be made available to persons eligible for medical assistance. The availability of a new service in this area is in no way intended to limit access to or funding of services available currently.

(b) Consistent with section 2301,¹ the Department of Public Welfare shall:

(c) The Department of Public Welfare, the Department of Health and the Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs shall jointly provide for an independent evaluation of the program authorized by this section in accordance with specific evaluation criteria, which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) comparison of medical costs before and after program implementation; (ii) employment history; and (iii) involvement with other programs of the Department of Health, the Department of Public Welfare, the Department of Corrections and any other appropriate agencies. The evaluation shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable Federal and State confidentiality requirements.