Washington Substance Use Disorder Discrimination Poster

Substance Use Disorder is a Disability
Excluding Individuals who take Medications for Opioid Use Disorder from Healthcare, 
Housing, Employment, or Other Services May Be Discriminatory
Discrimination against people with disabilities is unlawful. Substance use disorder is a condition that results in 
impairment in daily life.* Accordingly, under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (“WLAD”), 	RCW 49.60.040(7)	, 	
the definition of “disability” covers substance use disorder.
FDA-approved medications, taken under the supervision of a licensed medical provider, such as buprenorphine, 
methadone, and naltrexone can be used as effective treatment for opioid use disorder. 
Refusing or limiting a person from accessing programs, jobs, housing, or services (“protected activities”) because they 
take prescribed medications for opioid use disorder could violate the WLAD. Similarly, requiring individuals to stop taking 
or to change their medication for opioid use disorder, as a condition of participating in protected activities that they are 
otherwise eligible for may be discriminatory.
Reasonable Accommodations May Be Required for Individuals taking Medications 
for Opioid Use Disorder
When businesses, employers, housing providers, and any other individuals or entities required to comply with the  WLAD 
have notice that an individual takes medication for opioid use disorder, they may be required to provide reasonable 
accommodations.
For example:
• 	A drug-free housing provider may be required to allow a tenant to possess and use prescribed medication for opioid 
use disorder so the housing is accessible for the tenant. 	
• 	Employers with zero-tolerance drug policies may need to provide accommodations if a drug test detects an 
employee’s prescribed medication for opioid use disorder.	
Who Must Comply with Anti-Discrimination Laws?
• 	Businesses that are open to the public, including healthcare providers	
• 	Employers with 8 or more employees	
• 	Most housing providers	
• 	Public agencies, including court systems	
• 	Local governments, including their zoning and land use policies	
• 	Other programs and services involving protected activities	
Where Can I Get More Information?
For more information about:
• 	Civil rights and responsibilities in Washington, refer to the Civil Rights Resource Guide:	 	
https://www.atg.wa.gov/wing-luke-civil-rights-division	
• 	Federal civil rights protections, visit 	https://www.hhs.gov/OCR/opioids	
How Do I Report a Violation?
To make a complaint about discrimination, contact:
• 	The Washington State Human Rights Commission - Toll Free:	 1-800-233-3247, 	 	
TTY: 1-800-300-7525, or visit 	www.hum.wa.gov/discrimination-complaint	
To make a complaint about access to medical care, including residential treatment and 	 	
long-term care facilities, contact: 
• 	The Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division - 	Toll Free: 1-800-551-4636, 	 	
or visit: 	https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint	
This informational flyer is provided as a resource for general education and 
is not provided for the purpose of giving legal advice of any kind.
*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
Is Illegal Drug Use Protected?
No. Disability laws protect individuals in recovery, including those taking medications for opioid 
use disorder, but current illegal drug use is not considered a disability under Washington law. 
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder