The ASAM Criteria is the most widely used and comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay, and transfer/discharge criteria for individuals with substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions.
The ASAM Criteria defines the treatment criteria and levels of care for the treatment of substance-related and co-occurring conditions. The ASAM Criteria structure is the underlying framework for our service codes (billing guides), fiscal assumptions (rates), etc. Licensed Behavioral Health Agency providers are required to use the ASAM Criteria.
Additionally, the Managed Care Organizations, Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations, and private insurance plans use the ASAM Criteria as a utilization management tool.
The Adult ASAM Criteria 4th Edition has been released. Per SB 6228, our state will be transitioning to the updated ASAM Criteria in January 2026.
Thanks to legislative support and State Opioid Response dollars, we have partnered and contracted with Train for Change to offer an array of free training opportunities virtually over the next 18 months. Although many opportunities will be offered, we recognize that this training effort may not meet the need fully in our state. Thus, we encourage people to leverage the training opportunities through Train for Change. However, if that is not available or the classes are full, we encourage people to seek other training avenues.
Quick Highlights:
- The Adult ASAM Criteria 4th Edition is now available.
- The State will adopt the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition in January of 2026. Due to all the necessary changes, earlier adoption is not recommended.
- To get ready to use the new version, the state will offer a series of training courses.
- The courses will be held virtually and start in July 2024 through January 2026.
- Trainings will be offered by Train for Change.
The PDF document below includes:
The FAQs have a detailed list of initial trainings, dates, and registration links. To register for any of the training courses click on the registration links.
