ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing the State of Maryland as a Recovery-Friendly Workplace. The order increases support for Maryland state employees in recovery from substance use disorders by updating state employment policies. With this order, Maryland is joining only a few other state governments in the country that have recovery-friendly workplace policies for their employees.
“Every community in Maryland has been affected by substance use and overdoses, and many of us know people who are thriving in recovery,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration is supporting our affected communities by encouraging employers across the state to foster recovery-friendly environments, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because the data shows us these policies lead to real economic gains. It’s time that the state walks the walk to show that Maryland supports and values workers in recovery.”
Updates to State of Maryland Employment Policies
The executive order ensures that individuals in substance use recovery are supported in the workplace by requiring state agencies to provide training to educate employees about substance use disorders, substance use treatment and recovery, and how to respond to overdoses. The order also updates state corrective action policies, ensuring that individuals are first offered support through the state’s Employee Assistance Programprior to punitive measures when substance use impacts their work performance…