State policy development to accelerate use of evidence-based practices for alcohol and drug treatment

State authorities play a critical role in the delivery of quality substance abuse treatment services. To promote quality improvement and accountability, state authorities and providers have been encouraged to change their organizational and service delivery policies to increase the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs). The National Quality Forum (NQF) endorses the following EBP categories: screening and brief intervention, psychosocial intervention, pharmacotherapy, wraparound services, and aftercare and recovery management. To accelerate adoption of evidence-based practices, the NQF also promotes five implementation strategies: 1) financial incentives and payment mechanisms, 2) regulations and accreditation, 3) education and training, 4) infrastructure development, and 5) research and knowledge translation. In this mixed-methods study, representatives from each state authority participated in interviews about policy development, use of the NQF implementation strategies, and identification and reduction of barriers to EBP implementation. Findings will be presented regarding the number of states using contracting criteria to increase EBP use, as well as trends in legislative policy development, organizational change, and funding and performance improvement. Preliminary data indicate that a majority of states have administrative policies that encourage or require EBP use in substance abuse treatment. And, while data also suggests that Oregon is the only state that has passed legislation (Senate Bill 267) that mandates EBP use, several other states appear to be pursuing legislative policy changes. Additional qualitative information will provide a more comprehensive look at the specific activities and efforts taking place nationwide, as well the development and initial impact of evidence-based practice mandates.