Whereas addictions are a health care issue and the operation of supportive recovery homes can play an important role in supporting improvements to individual and community health outcomes through recovery from drug and alcohol addictions; And whereas under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, many of the operating standards required of licensed treatment facilitiessuch as screening, programming, nutrition, staff competencies, and staff-to-client ratiosdo not apply to supportive recovery homes, thereby reducing their effectiveness and putting at risk the safety of the vulnerable individuals they serve; facility staff; and the local community: Therefore be it resolved that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the provincial government to undertake licensing and more stringent regulation of supportive recovery homes to ensure effective care, support, and safety for persons seeking assistance with recovery from drug and alcohol addictions; and to provide improved oversight and accountability to the communities in which they are situated.
Ministry of Health The Ministry of Health presently regulates supportive recovery homes through the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. Supportive Recovery Residences are designed to provide access to substance use services and supportive housing for persons who are recovering from substance use disorders. The Ministry of Health introduced amendments to the Community Care and Assisted Living Act in 2016. The amendments to the Community Care and Assisted Living Act provide for increased oversight by the Assisted Living Registrar such as: the ability to set registration requirements, including applicant qualifications; the ability to establish conditions upon registration; enhanced inspection authority and the ability to take summary action. Amendments to the Community Care and Assisted Living Act will also enable additional regulations to be developed for this sector. A consultation process was initiated in January 2017 to obtain advice from a diverse group of mental health and substance use stakeholders and service providers regarding elements that should be included in future regulatory provisions. A broad public consultation process using an online survey was conducted in the Spring of 2017. Through the consultation process the Ministry received feedback that existing health and safety requirements should be strengthened and clarified. The Ministry has reviewed the feedback received and anticipates that new regulations will be developed, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, based upon the current health and safety standards. Recommendations for strengthened regulatory areas include: - Definition of supportive recovery - Ban on weapons - Setting minimum staffing requirements and minimum employee qualifications and training required - Requirement for role and job descriptions for Peer Mentors - Clarity on requirements for psychosocial support program - Requirement that meals must be nutritious and balanced according to Canadas Food Guide