The LGA and campaigners are calling for new legislation to tackle the exploitation of vulnerable people through ‘patient brokering’ in England’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment sector.
Patient brokering involves financial incentives for referring patients to specific private addiction rehabilitation centres, regardless of whether it is in the best interest of the patient.
The LGA, along with the Ethical Marketing Campaign for Addiction Treatment and the charity Collective Voice, have warned that a rise in unregulated private treatment providers has created opportunities for unethical practices to flourish, leading to inappropriate placements, inflated costs and compromised care.
With the latest figures showing the highest number of adults in drug and alcohol addiction treatment since records began, they are also warning that the practice risks long-term harm for people seeking recovery and undermines public confidence in addiction treatment services.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Patient brokering is a deeply concerning and unethical practice that puts profit before patient wellbeing.
“Vulnerable individuals seeking help for addiction deserve safe, ethical and clinically appropriate care, and not to be treated as commodities at one of the most vulnerable points in their addiction recovery.
“We must protect the integrity of our addiction treatment system, and ensure that adequate safeguards are in place so that every person seeking help is met with dignity, compassion and respect.”