NRS608.156. Benefits for health care: Expenses for treatment of abuse of alcohol and drugs.

      1.  If an employer provides health benefits for his or her employees, the employer shall provide benefits for the expenses for the treatment of abuse of alcohol and drugs. The annual benefits provided by the employer must consist of:

      (a) Treatment for withdrawal from the physiological effects of alcohol or drugs, with a maximum benefit of $1,500 per calendar year.

      (b) Treatment for a patient admitted to a facility, with a maximum benefit of $9,000 per calendar year.

      (c) Counseling for a person, group or family who is not admitted to a facility, with a maximum benefit of $2,500 per calendar year.

      2.  The maximum amount which may be paid in the lifetime of the insured for any combination of the treatments listed in subsection 1 is $39,000.

      3.  These benefits must be paid in the same manner as benefits for any other illness covered by the employer are paid.

      4.  The employee is entitled to these benefits if treatment is received in any:

      (a) Program for the treatment of abuse of alcohol or drugs which is certified by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services.

      (b) Hospital or other medical facility or facility for the dependent which is licensed by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, accredited by The Joint Commission and provides a program for the treatment of abuse of alcohol or drugs as part of its accredited activities.

      (Added to NRS by 1983, 2044; A 1985, 1572, 1764; 1993, 1803; 1999, 1887; 2001, 438)