Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107286

Jamie F. Chriqui, PhD, MHS¹, Shelby Smith, JD¹, and Duane C. McBride, PhD². (1) Center for Health Policy and Legislative Analysis, The MayaTech Corporation, 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 900, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3921, 301-587-1600, jchriqui@mayatech.com, (2) Institute for the Prevention of Addictions, Andrews University, Highway 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49104

Mandatory state authorization of substance abuse treatment programs is one vehicle by which states can ensure that the programs are at least meeting certain minimum standards. State approaches to treatment program authorization vary with licensure generally setting a “floor” and certification and accreditation requirements setting a “target” or “ideal' standard. While licensure and certification processes are conducted by state agencies directly, several states have recognized the extensive accreditation process that some treatment programs undergo by virtue of their application for accreditation by a national accrediting body such as JCAHO, CARF, or COA. States recognizing national accreditation in lieu of specific state authorization are often considered to grant “deemed status” to such organizations and their accreditation. This paper summarizes the results of our initial year of data collection in this area (2004) with a specific emphasis on variations in state authorization and deemed status requirements as well as the extent to which states have incorporated requirements for inspections into their authorization processes. Additionally, we discuss the extent to which states require that outpatient programs incorporate use of evidence-based patient placement and/or diagnostic criteria at initial intake (i.e., ASAM, ASI and/or DSM-IV). Preliminary data reveal that the majority of states require program authorization but some states only impose such requirements for state-funded programs while others make authorization voluntary. `Less than ˝ of the states grant deemed status to national accreditation. Inspection requirements are frequently incorporated into the state laws but incorporation of standard patient placement and/or diagnostic criteria are not as common.

Learning Objectives: