As the demand for substance abuse treatment increases, Gov. Maggie Hassan and state health officials are calling for a review of state licensing requirements at treatment centers around New Hampshire.
A working group led by state health officials is being tasked with finding ways to speed up licensing for new centers and must report its findings by Sept. 30. The state review follows a call from Sen. Kelly Ayotte for the federal government to ease costly requirements from some residential treatment centers.
New Hampshire lawmakers are in the midst of trying to increase access to treatment and recovery programs for heroin and opioid addicts as the state's overdose rates climb.
The state's licensing rules for residential treatment facilities were last changed in 2011.