PORTER-STARKE CLOSER TO METHADONE CLINIC

Porter-Starke Services Inc. has a few more hurdles to pass before its
methadone clinic opens its doors.

The state approved Porter-Starke's application, but several state and
federal agencies also must sign off on the decision.

Carmen Arlt, director of Chemical Dependancy and Addictions, said
Porter-Starke wants to start providing methadone treatment for heroin
addiction on July 1.

A vote this week in the General Assembly could make Porter-Starke's
clinic one of the last to open in the state for a while.

Senate Bill 450 would place a moratorium on new methadone clinics
through the end of 2008.

Indiana has 13 methadone clinics. Only two clinics -- including
Porter-Starke -- have been approved since lawmakers partially lifted
a previous moratorium that had banned new clinics.

The measure passed the Senate 49-0 in February. The bill would
require the Family and Social Services Administration to review its
methadone regulations, study those in other states and submit a
report to the legislative Health Finance Commission in July.

The state's methadone clinics currently follow state and federal
guidelines, but the bill requires the commission to study the
effectiveness the state's regulations and make recommendations for
legislative action in 2008.

Arlt said the bill limits drug treatment options, which provides a
virtual monopoly for some clinics.

"It seems ridiculous to put in a moratorium at this time," Arlt said.
"It's a barrier to health care. If it is legal, it's unethical. It's
really serving other people's interests."

Much of legislators' concern centers on the state's two largest
methadone clinics -- Jeffersonville and Lawrenceburg.

In 2005, nearly half of the 10,000 patients served by Indiana's
methadone clinics were from other states.

Senate Bill 224 would charge patients more if they are from other
states. It would increase the current per person fee from $20 to $500.

CRC Health Group owns both clinics and served nearly 4,000 people in
2005. About 60 percent were from Kentucky.

If the bill passes, Arlt said hopefully the governor will veto it.

"Competition provides better services overall," Arlt said. "With the
four Lake County programs, everybody is able to share services and
there's not one clinic getting 1,000 patients."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.