3,415 Violations at Drug Rehabs in Pennsylvania as Lawmakers Rip Lack of Data

THE CUSTOMER IS NEVER RIGHT –

Oct. 23, 2021 – Republican Rep. Mark Gillen of Berks County said, “It is inexcusable that that data is not available on a center-by-center basis.”

Until recently, DDAP had a data tool with specific center-by-center violation numbers on its website.

But the department removed the “performance profiles” after a Morning Call story revealed widespread mistakes in them.

Dugan said a new online tool is in development. When it becomes available in mid-2022, she said, it will be a “great asset to monitor the quality and effectiveness of treatment providers.”

For the time being, she said, people looking for treatment help should call a state hotline, research centers via “recommendations and referrals online and by word of mouth,” and look at inspection reports. Muth, who has been deeply involved in information battles involving the state’s biggest pension fund and corporate pipeline interests, said DDAP needs an online tool now.

“A lot of times, these are crunch situations,” she said, referring to instances where a family with no experience in addiction abruptly becomes aware a loved one is hooked on deadly drugs.

The lack of state data, she said, is “incredibly unacceptable.” Waiting for a new tool to be available next summer, Muth said, doesn’t work.