OPIOID ALERT

N.Y. bigs warn of treatment-referral scam

ALBANY — State officials on Wednesday launched a new campaign to protect people struggling with substance abuse from being victimized by bogus referral services.

The state, working with New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers, is distributing posters to treatment centers around the state warning patients about “patient brokering” — a practice where brokers collect payments from addiction treatment providers in exchange for referring patients to those programs.

“Vulnerable New Yorkers struggling with addiction are being targeted and falsely promised lifesaving treatment services and then are given inadequate and ineffective treatment at outrageous costs,” Gov. Cuomo said.

The posters urge substance abuse sufferers to report any suspicious activity to the state’s Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

In August, the office issued a directive to treatment providers alerting them that only state-certified professionals could make referrals and that referral fees were prohibited.

“With this campaign, we make it clear that this reprehensible practice will not be tolerated in New York and will help ensure that people receive the appropriate assistance they need to reclaim their lives,” Cuomo said.

New York, like other states, has been combating what officials have described as an epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse. More than $200 million was included in the state’s most recent budget to combat the addiction crisis.

The state has also worked to open additional substance abuse treatment centers, including one earlier this month inside the Davidson Community Center on Davidson Avenue in the Bronx.

An estimated 91 Americans die each day from heroin or opioid abuse and 33,000 Americans died from the crisis in 2015, state officials have said.

“Making the decision to seek treatment is a critical first step for many people with substance use disorders and their families,” said Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “Their bravery needs to be rewarded with the services that can best help them get on the road to recovery.”

Officials urged New Yorkers to report suspicious brokering activity by calling 1-800-553-5 790 or emailing StopTreatmentFraud@oasas.ny.gov

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction can also find help by calling the state's toll-free 7-day-aweek HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY.