On November 1, ASAM submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment.

In its letter, ASAM first highlighted recent improvements to the quality of SUD treatment, noting that CMS has approved over 20 Section 1115 waivers to improve quality and access to addiction treatment. Furthermore, the SUPPORT Act, which was passed In 2018, makes specific mention of ASAM’s evidence-based guidelines, The ASAM Criteria, when creating the opportunity for state plans to improve access to treatment.

However, ASAM’s letter also discussed the many obstacles to receiving quality treatment. Standards for addiction treatment, as well as licensing, certification, and accreditation requirements vary significantly from state to state. The letter concluded by discussing the various educational resources ASAM is creating to help improve quality of care and standardize treatment.

Read the RFI here.

Read ASAM’s letter here.