TL;DR: The fourth edition of the ASAM standards keeps the same levels of care but presents them with clearer organization, updated clinical guidance, and stronger emphasis on required Defining Elements. Providers familiar with ASAM or CARF may recognize the framework, but careful preparation remains important because missing even one required element can affect certification. For providers, certification can help meet payer or state expectations while also supporting stronger treatment quality and better service delivery.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) released its fourth edition of clinical standards this year, with the updated criteria covering the same levels of care as in the past. In a partnership with CARF International, ASAM sets the clinical criteria, while CARF operates the day-to-day certification process, verifying that a facility can deliver a specific level of care.
ASAM Organization
Each level of the ASAM certification is defined relative to the severity of the diagnosed condition and depth of the illness of the person served. The descriptions in this edition are written in a manner much more consistent with the way CARF accreditation standards are framed. Each section (3.1, 3.5, and 3.7) is organized so the organizations can clearly delineate the standards, outlined as such:
- Regarding the treatment SETTINGS
- SUPPORT SYSTEMS available to the persons served
- STAFF providing the services, including required credentials and training made available to the staff
- The ASSESSMENT and TREATMENT PLAN expectations are contained in one section, thus highlighting the expected flow of services
- THERAPIES are described more clearly and expectations about training, quality, and the multi-dimensional make-up of the treatment team are more clearly defined, and
- Requirements for thorough DOCUMENTATION are defined.
The framework of each level of care is clearly written to not only define the differences among the levels of care but also provide intent statements and frequent examples to clarify what is expected. The benefit to the persons served is that those providing the services should have a deeper and clearer understanding of the conditions of the person and are thereby better able to address their needs. This potentially leads to better engagement of both the persons served and the staff in helping the persons served meet their treatment goals.
Fourth Edition Updates
New in the Fourth Edition, https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria:
- Color-coding system organizes information into easily identifiable sections, facilitating quicker access to key content.
- Redesigned charts and graphics distill complex concepts into simpler, clearer explanations.
- Updated clinical standards reflect the current state of scientific evidence and clinical practice and integrate more person-centered considerations when assessing the level of care.
Changes needed to meet the standards depend on where the providers are positioned at the present time. Those who have successfully been certified in the past will not likely find the re-certification process to be cumbersome. There are a few new standards, but the overall framework should be very familiar to those who have previously gone through the process.
A notable change is the increased number of “Defining Elements” (DE). These standards are part of a group of standards defined as “required” for the organization/provider to be certified. Any failure to address a DE will result in a failure to be certified. This is not new, but there appear to be more of these. In addition, the definitions of the requirements have added clarity as part of the rewrite.
Certification Purpose
The driving force behind the urgency to seek certification, as usual, is financial. Up to now, there are a few states and mayors who require certification, but the trend shows an increase. The expertise needed to succeed is similar to the expertise needed to successfully address CARF accreditation or other standards.
The certification process, however, is a bit of a different animal given the narrower population served. The fact that one DE can determine the success or failure of an ASAM certification is certainly a contrast. PowderHorn Consulting has the background and experience to address these requirements by virtue of working through this process with multiple clients since states started requiring certification. AT PHC, we believe that when coupled with our experience in accreditation in CARF and The Joint Commission, we are leaders in this field.
With the objective for an economic benefit is also a desire for certification of a provider to demonstrate excellence in treatment and treatment effectiveness. By meeting the standards for ASAM certification, your organization cannot help but become better, and the benefit to the persons being served will be more effective service delivery.
Email Kevin Robertson at [email protected] or call 614-908-2789 to find out more about ASAM certification, and how PowderHorn Consulting can assist with certification.
Q&A
Q: What role does CARF International play in ASAM certification?
A: ASAM sets the clinical criteria for each level of care, while CARF manages the day-to-day certification process and verifies whether a facility can deliver the specific level of care being certified.
Q: What are some major updates in the fourth edition of the ASAM criteria?
A: The fourth edition of the ASAM certification includes a color-coding system, redesigned charts and graphics, and updated clinical standards that reflect current scientific evidence and more person-centered considerations when determining the appropriate level of care.
Q: Why is ASAM certification important for providers?
A: ASAM certification can help providers meet state or payer requirements while also demonstrating excellence in treatment. Meeting ASAM standards can strengthen service delivery and lead to more effective care for the persons served.
