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Addiction recovery bill not backed by majority of health committee
The majority of a Holyrood committee has not agreed to recommend the general principles of the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has concerns with the proposal and said it will require "significant amendments" if it is to reach stage two. The bill, introduced by Scottish Tory MSP Douglas Ross, seeks to give those diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction a statutory right to receive treatment from a relevant professional.
MSP Clare Haughey, convener of the committee, said a majority of the committee "do not believe this bill is the correct vehicle to effectively support those suffering harm from alcohol or drug use". Current availability and access to support services for those experiencing harm from drug or alcohol misuse was revealed to have a high level of dissatisfaction in the stage one scrutiny.
However, the report also highlighted widespread stakeholder concerns that the bill's focus is too narrow and could also put further pressure on over-stretched resources. A proposed three-week statutory deadline in the bill raised concerns that it could compromise treatment quality, limit choice, increase relapse risk, and could lead to a rise in litigation in cases where health services are unable to meet the legal rights on time.
The costs of implementation set out in the financial memorandum were also said to be a "significant underestimate". And should the bill proceed to stage two, the committee has called on Mr Ross to consider further ways of ensuring that it works in tandem, "rather than in conflict.
Amir Nisi
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