The ASAM Criteria, Implementation Guide

To support patient-centered care and improve outcomes for people with substance use disorders (SUD), the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) is providing an important resource - The American Society of Addiction Medicine s ‚ASAM« Criteria[ Implementation Guide - to each IDHS/SUPR-licensed organization providing SUD treatment services. The ASAM Criteria defines standards for conducting a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment to inform patient placement and treatment planning. The Implementation Guide will help programs improve quality of care in manageable increments, including the adoption of The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition.

IDHS/SUPR Anticipated Date of Adoption of the 4th Edition

IDHS/SUPR does not have an anticipated date of adoption. IDHS/SUPR is reviewing new information and expects to provide guidance and training prior to its implementation. For more information, please see the Smart Alert - The ASAM Criteria, 4th edition.

Receiving Your Implementation Guide

This publication is being sent directly to your organization and the mailing is underway. The authorized program representative at each IDHS/SUPR-licensed treatment organization will receive the mailing with this publication.

Using and Sharing The ASAM Criteria, Implementation Guide

IDHS/SUPR is providing this publication as a practical tool to assist organizations to take manageable increments aligned with the ASAM principles. The guide uses the Network for Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) model to help organizations improve care, effectuate change, and meet the needs of patients.

IDHS/SUPR highly encourages the authorized program representative to share this publication and spend time introducing this resource to others in leadership positions (e.g., clinical supervisors, directors and staff that have role in training and compliance).

Upcoming Training and Technical Assistance

IDHS/SUPR provides publications, curricula, training, and technical assistance to support the development of the SUD treatment workforce and organizations managing SUD services. Please remember to keep your licensure contact information up to date to ensure that you receive notifications about The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition implementation and upcoming training opportunities. If your organization is interested in technical assistance or training, please contact Kimberly Fornero, Administrator of Compliance and Monitoring at Kimberly.Fornero@illinois.gov.

IDHS/SUPR hopes that you find this resource beneficial in the planning for the provision of your treatment services.