Bill to Increase Screenings for Alcohol-Related Injuries

ALBANY, NY (04/01/2009)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today launched Alcohol Awareness Month with announcement of legislation that will help injured drivers get proper screening for alcohol or drug problems.

The OASAS departmental bill, which has the support of Governor David A. Paterson, would amend the Insurance Law now preventing healthcare providers from being reimbursed for emergency treatment given to injured persons who are intoxicated or drug impaired. The bill also will allow for reimbursement of related medical screenings, such as blood alcohol and drug tests so underlying addiction issues can be identified and addressed.

Governor Paterson has proclaimed April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Under current law, a no-fault insurer may exclude a person from no-fault insurance coverage if they sustain injuries as a result of operating a motor-vehicle while intoxicated or drug-impaired. However, health services providers are required under Public Health Law to provide emergency medical services to individuals in need of such care.

"The existing laws which were imposed at a time when alcoholism was considered an affliction do not work and are wrong," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Alcoholism is a chronic disease that must be addressed through medical screenings, brief interventions and appropriate treatment for the achievement of successful, long-term recovery."

The Legislature originally enacted the current law based on the thought that if an insurer would not pay for injuries caused by intoxication or drug use, then people would be deterred from engaging in such behaviors. However, these laws have actually decreased public safety as health service providers are reluctant to perform blood alcohol and certain other tests if they will not be reimbursed for rendering essential emergency medical health services to patients who are intoxicated or drug impaired.

In fact, studies indicate that brief alcohol interventions in health-care settings which can detect alcohol and drug problems will reduce DWI's, alcohol-related arrests, and injury-related hospital readmissions.

This amendment is intended to permit a health service provider to obtain reimbursement for any necessary emergency services performed in a hospital or by an ambulance worker on an individual who has sustained injuries while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bill also would permit reimbursement for necessary related medical screening, such as blood alcohol and drug tests, performed in a hospital or by an ambulance worker.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said, "By permitting reimbursement for related medical screenings, more screenings will occur, underlying drug or alcohol problems will be more frequently identified and addressed, and ultimately fewer drug or alcohol-related injuries will occur, saving even more lives."

The 2009-2010 Executive Budget includes a provision for Medicaid payment for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for Medicaid recipients in hospital emergency departments. SBIRT will be able to identify those individuals at risk of substance-use related problems and refer those needing more extensive services to a specialist setting for additional assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

During April Alcohol Awareness Month, OASAS will announce several initiatives to increase awareness of alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and underage drinking. As part of the month's awareness, April 9 marks National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) calling attention to the impact that alcohol has on overall health. The program aims to encourage students to take a look at the way they use alcohol, so that they may take steps to reduce their alcohol intake if necessary. Another integral part of the awareness month is Alcohol-Free Weekend which takes place on the first weekend of April designed to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families and businesses. Other April awareness events include highlighting National Child Abuse Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can get help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour 7 days a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day. Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

-30-