Section 29. Community Relations

A. A program sponsor shall ensure that policies and procedures are developed, implemented, and complied with to educate and promote understanding in the community about opioid treatment and include: (1) a mechanism for eliciting input from the community about the provider’s impact on the community; (2) a requirement that the program sponsor or designee interface with community leaders to foster positive relations; (3) a requirement that the program sponsor or designee establish a liaison with community representatives to share information about the program; (4) a requirement that the agency have information on substance abuse and related health and social issues available to the public; (5) a mechanism for addressing and resolving community concerns about opioid treatment or the program’s presence in the community; and (6) a mechanism that addresses getting approval for continued treatment in treatment or care facilities and correctional facilities. B. A program sponsor shall ensure that community relations efforts are documented and are evaluated at least once every six months. C. A program sponsor shall comply with all valid county and municipal ordinances regarding community relations, and the HCA may consult with local governmental entities when enforcing this section.