What does Health and Safety Code 11830.1 authorize DHCS to do?

Health and Safety Code 11830.1 authorizes the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to create treatment standards and regulations. This code is integral to establishing a framework for the provision of care and services related to alcohol and drug counseling in California. By developing these standards and regulations, DHCS ensures that treatment facilities operate within guidelines that promote effective and safe treatment practices, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals receiving those services.

The focus on creating treatment standards is crucial because it provides a consistent approach to treatment across various facilities, enabling better outcomes for patients and fostering a higher quality of care. Establishing clear regulations helps to address issues such as treatment efficacy, ethical guidelines, and operational requirements, which are vital components of a structured healthcare system aimed at reducing substance use disorders.

While the other options, such as issuing counselor certifications, conducting substance use research, and monitoring treatment facility funding, are important aspects of the broader context of alcohol and drug counseling, they fall outside the specific authority granted by Health and Safety Code 11830.1. The code specifically emphasizes the development of treatment standards rather than the other functions mentioned.