Addiction treatment medication lawsuit targets Salvation Army

The ruling by Judge Sorokin represents a significant step forward in the fight for access to addiction treatment services for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. The lawsuit against The Salvation Army, a major provider of addiction treatment services, has the potential to change the landscape of addiction treatment in the United States.

The lawsuit, filed by Justice Catalyst Law on behalf of three plaintiffs, challenges The Salvation Army’s policy of prohibiting medications such as methadone and buprenorphine, which are essential for treating opioid addiction. These medications are proven to be effective in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, yet many treatment providers, including The Salvation Army, continue to oppose their use.

The case, known as Tassinari v. Salvation Army National Corporation et al, centers on Mark Tassinari, a Massachusetts man who was denied access to a Salvation Army recovery facility because he was using buprenorphine as prescribed by a doctor. This denial led to housing instability and a relapse, highlighting the harmful consequences of denying individuals access to lifesaving medications.

Judge Sorokin’s ruling establishes two classes: one for individuals denied access to medications seeking injunctive relief, and another for those who have been harmed by The Salvation Army’s policy seeking damages. This ruling could pave the way for more treatment providers to offer medications for opioid use disorder, regardless of ideological objections.

The decision is based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including those with opioid use disorder. Denying access to medications for opioid addiction is considered a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as stated by the Department of Justice and other courts.

The ruling has the potential to impact a significant number of individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction. The injunctive relief class includes individuals with opioid use disorder who are prescribed methadone or buprenorphine and seek treatment at The Salvation Army’s facilities. The damages class is more limited, including individuals who were discharged for taking prescribed medications for opioid use disorder.

Overall, the lawsuit against The Salvation Army represents a crucial step towards ensuring that individuals with opioid use disorder have access to the medications they need to recover. By challenging discriminatory policies and advocating for the rights of individuals seeking treatment, the case has the potential to improve access to lifesaving addiction medications for all Americans. Access to medication for incarcerated individuals transitioning out of jail or prison is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. According to advocate Elizabeth Friedman, lack of medication access in facilities like the Salvation Army can be disruptive for those who recently started medication treatment while incarcerated.

Friedman highlighted the challenges faced by individuals who are discharged from jail or prison and are required to reside in transitional or recovery housing. In many cases, these facilities do not allow individuals to continue their medication treatment, forcing them to abruptly stop the medication they just started. This sudden discontinuation of medication can have serious consequences for individuals who are trying to manage their health and stay on track with their recovery.

Moreover, Friedman emphasized the potential nationwide impact of a court’s certification of class status in cases related to medication access. By setting a legal precedent and demonstrating the consequences of denying access to medication, facilities may be compelled to rethink their policies and practices. Friedman suggested that this certification sends a clear message to operators of recovery housing and residential treatment facilities across the country that denying access to medications like methadone and buprenorphine could lead to legal action.

Overall, ensuring access to necessary medication for individuals transitioning out of incarceration is crucial for their health and well-being. By addressing the barriers to medication access in transitional housing and recovery facilities, we can support individuals in their journey towards recovery and successful reintegration into society.