Accreditation Moves Forward. (Policy & Practice).

Substance abuse treatment is one step closer to being a part of mainstream medicine. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has selected the following four organizations to accredit opioid treatment programs: the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, and the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Opioid treatment programs must-apply for certification by March 4, 2002, and have completed the accreditation process by May 19, 2003. The move to accreditation follows recommendations of a 1997 National Institutes of Health consensus panel, which recommended accreditation in lieu of regulations to improve the quality of care. Accreditation will help reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with these programs, said SAMHSA Administrator Charles G. Curie.