The Division will be presenting a proposal to Secretary Cansler regarding the implementation of the Independent Assessment Requirement passed in the 2010 Budget.  Substance Abuse providers have the opportunity within the next few weeks to make recommendations for the proposal.

Your comments/recommendations can be emailed to Flo Stein at flo(dot)stein(at)dhhs(dot)nc(dot)gov

As you prepare your comments/recommendations, please keep in mind these talking points (from the NC Substance Abuse Providers Federation):

• Require that Independent Assessments must be performed by licensed professional with a Substance Abuse background.  (Substance Abuse background is defined by being able to demonstrate via billing records that the individual has billed for substance abuse services within that last 2 years).
• Develop a process to better identify Substance Abuse clients with 1 or more admissions during a single calendar year to a state psychiatric hospital
• Ensure better monitoring of high-end user services, including a cost benefit analysis.
• Create better system to ensure good assessments are not duplicated for the consumer.
• Ensure services are available to meet assessment recommendations.