Senator Werner Convenes First Meeting on Substance Use Disorder Treatment Standards and Oversight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Building on her extensive work on substance use disorder and behavioral health programs in Arizona, Senator Carine Werner will convene the first official meeting of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Standards and Oversight Committee on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Senate Hearing Room 1 to begin examining access to addiction treatment, patient safety, and oversight of treatment programs across Arizona.
Sponsored by Senator Werner, SB 1814 established the committee and will bring together policymakers, state agencies, clinical professionals, law enforcement, and individuals with experience navigating treatment and recovery.
"Arizona patients and their families should be able to trust that a treatment program is safe, qualified, and actually providing care," said Senator Werner, chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. "The Substance Use Disorder Treatment Standards and Oversight Study Committee gives us the opportunity to bring in subject matter experts and those with lived experience to identify gaps in our state's policies and treatment landscape and offer real solutions to ensure those who are seeking care are receiving the services they deserve."
"Sheriffs see every day how substance use and behavioral health challenges intersect with the criminal justice system, particularly for individuals entering our jails who need treatment, stability, and a path toward recovery. This committee is an important opportunity to bring law enforcement, health care providers, and people with lived experience together to strengthen treatment standards, improve outcomes and ultimately make our communities safer," said Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes.
The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 31, 2027.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus