Development of The ASAM Criteria Intake Assessment: A Free, Paper-Based, Interview Form

Purpose: Introduce The ASAM Criteria Intake

Assessment: A Free, Paper-based, Interview Form and Guide. The ASAM Criteria Intake Assessment is intended as a guide to multidimensional assessment of individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and as a guide to the conceptual approach of the ASAM Criteria decision logic. It is designed to assist Level of Care (LOC) decision-making for adults who are seeking treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). The ASAM Criteria Intake Assessment Form for Adults has two primary components. The first component is a set of questions that guides the interviewer to establish risk ratings for the six domains of The ASAM Criteria. The second component of the form includes a summary sheet and Level of Care Guide where the interviewer summarizes information from the interview questions and uses the risk ratings from the six dimensions and guidance embedded in the assessment form to select the appropriate LOC.We will describe the development of the tool and the results of a small feasibility study. We will also provide an overview of the assessment, discuss scoring guidance, and provide information and resources for anyone who would like to implement the tool locally.

Background: As part of a Medicaid 1115 waiver in California, ASAM Criteria-based assessments are required for individuals seeking SUD treatment. In response, counties and providers expressed the need for a standard, ASAM-endorsed, no-cost, publicly available assessment form. The University of California, Los Angeles’ Integrated Substance Abuse Programs and an expert group from The American Society of Addiction Medicine, with support from the California Department of Health Care Services developed The ASAM Criteria Intake Assessment to meet this need.Topics: Patient Care and Procedural Skills; Appropriate treatment placement for patients with substance-related health problems and SUDs along a continuum of care. Matching patients using a systematic, standardized form, to appropriate treatment for whole-person, patient-centered care.Teaching methods: Didactic presentation and large group discussion.Learner takeaways: 1. Understanding of the development and background of the paper-based ASAM Criteria Intake Assessment. 2. Understanding of the special features of the assessment tool. 3. Understanding of the scoring guidance for the assessment tool and 4. Access to information and resources for those who would like to implement the tool locally.