Implementation of evidence-based practices for treatment of alcohol and drug disorders: the role of the state authority.
The current climate of increasing performance expectations and diminishing resources, along with innovations in evidence-based practices (EBPs), creates new dilemmas for substance abuse treatment providers, policymakers, funders, and the service delivery system. This paper describes findings from baseline interviews with representatives from 49 state substance abuse authorities (SSAs). Interviews assessed efforts aimed at facilitating EBP adoption in each state and the District of Columbia. Results suggested that SSAs are concentrating more effort on EBP implementation strategies such as education, training, and infrastructure development, and less effort on financial mechanisms, regulations, and accreditation. The majority of SSAs use EBPs as a criterion in their contracts with providers, and just over half reported that EBP use is tied to state funding. To date, Oregon remains the only state with legislation that mandates treatment expenditures for EBPs; North Carolina follows suit with legislation that requires EBP promotion within current resources.
Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. rieckman@ohsu.edu
Traci R
TR
Rieckmann
Anne E
AE
Kovas
Holly E
HE
Fussell
Nicole M
NM
Stettler
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000628:therapy; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006270:Health Facility Administrators; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000379:methods*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States