A measure that would increase reimbursement rates for substance use disorder treatments received initial approval Thursday from the Maine House of Representatives.

LD 1135, sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, would address the need for increased access to treatment for substance use disorder through a 25% increase in reimbursement rates. The legislation would specifically increase reimbursement rates in Section 65 for substance use disorder outpatient services.

“Last year, we saw the single largest increase in overdose deaths. This devastating statistic, and my experience working in an addiction outreach program, has exemplified that there is limited access to detoxification, residential or outpatient treatment,” said Stover. “Improving reimbursement rates will increase options and allow for better and more sustained outcomes for individuals seeking treatment. I am grateful to have the support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

The measure would also request that all substance use disorder services funded by the state conform to trauma-informed principles of care as developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The legislation now faces further votes in the Senate in the coming days.

Stover represents Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, part of South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island and is serving her second term in the Maine House. She serves on the Health and Human Services Committee.