ASAM

Hand-in-Hand – ASAM and CARF

Three years ago, CARF launched the ASAM Level of Care Certification to allow addiction treatment programs to:

– Establish processes for validation of treatment program capabilities

– Build industry transparency, and

– Increase patient confidence in treatment services.

The initiative was intended to reshape addiction treatment by providing an independent assessment of a treatment program’s ability to deliver services consistent with The ASAM Criteria®. PowderHorn Consulting has assisted several clients across the country with their ASAM certification.

The ASAM criteria is the most widely used and comprehensive set of standards for placement, continued stay, and transfer/discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions in the U.S. PHC is all about ensuring quality care for clients, and ASAM certification will soon be required In multiple states.

It appears that the strategy is working, as several PHC clients have participated and are reporting success.  (See the article ACW Rises to the Top).

ASAM Certification differentiates a provider in its capacity to deliver one or more specific ASAM Levels of Care to payers, regulators, referral sources, and persons served. For more information regarding ASAM Certification, contact Kevin Robertson at krobertson@powderhornconsulting.com