R3 Report Issue 25: Enhanced Substance Use Disorders Standards for Behavioral Health Organizations
Effective July 1, 2020, eight standards with 14 new and revised elements of performance (EPs) will be applicable to Joint Commission-accredited behavioral health care organizations that treat substance use disorders. These new and revised requirements are designed to improve the quality and safety of care for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders, and are in the Care, Treatment, and Services (CTS) and Leadership (LD) chapters.
The Joint Commission evaluated literature and national guidelines, and engaged stakeholders to determine how enhancing the standards would help improve the quality and safety of care at a time when millions of Americans are battling a substance use disorder. The Joint Commission concluded that enhancing standards applicable to addiction treatment providers was needed in the areas of treating individuals at the appropriate level of care, transitions of care and follow up, and proper use of urine drug testing to ensure the standards reflect best practices.