LITS - Families and Consumers

Principle #5:

When psychiatric and substance disorders coexist, both disorders should be considered primary, and integrated dual (or multiple) primary diagnosis-specific treatment is recommended. (Focus on screening and assessment).

Strategy 1:

Develop integrated screening and assessment process that promotes the no wrong door philosophy.

Action A Develop policy to ensure all individuals presenting for treatment are screened for COD, and all individuals who triggered positive on screen are assessed and recommended for appropriate treatment and/or referred with follow-up as needed.
Action B Participation in Interdepartmental Consensus Conference to identify and adopt an integrated screening process and tool.
Action C Utilize Clinical Protocol Committee to build on work of consensus conference to develop an integrated assessment process, tool/s, or uniform data elements that:
	1.	Increase access to service
	2.	Reduce redundancy of data collection
	3.	Facilitate continuity of care across settings
	4.	Increase a person-centered, holistic approach to service
	5.	Support clinical and administrative efficiency within districts and regions.
Action D Ensure MIS can support the documentation of both substance and mental health as primary disorders.
	1.	Develop clear scope of clinical practice guidelines regarding initial treatment interaction through Clinical Protocol Committee.
	2.	Develop the knowledge base, skills and practice patterns consistent with evidence based practices (see detailed plan in Principle 7).
	3.	Ongoing coordination with medical service provider

Strategy 2:

Ensure that all levels of staff are trained to the appropriate level of competency needed to implement the adopted screening and assessment process (see detailed training plan in Principle 7).

Strategy 3:

Address the perceived barrier that Medicaid reimbursement is at risk if substance abuse or dependence diagnosed or documented.