12VAC30-130-5070: Covered services: practitioner services - early intervention/screening brief intervention and referral to treatment (ASAM Level 0.5)

A. Early intervention (ASAM Level 0.5) settings for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) services shall include health care settings, including local health departments, FQHCs, RHCs, CSBs, BHAs, health systems, emergency departments, pharmacies, physician offices, and outpatient clinics. Providers shall be licensed by the Department of Health Professions and either directly contracted by DMAS or its contractor or an MCO to perform the interpretation and intervention for this level of care or shall be employed by organizations that are contracted by DMAS or its contractor or an MCO.

B. Early intervention or SBIRT (ASAM Level 0.5) service components shall include:

1. Identifying individuals who may have alcohol or other substance use problems using an evidence-based screening tool.

2. Following administration of the evidence-based screening tool, a brief intervention by a CATP acting within the scope of the CATP's practice shall be provided to educate individuals about substance use, alert these individuals to possible consequences, and if needed, begin to motivate individuals to take steps to change their behaviors. Billing shall occur through the licensed provider or agency.

C. Early intervention or SBIRT (ASAM Level 0.5) staff requirements. Physicians, pharmacists, and other CATPs shall administer the evidence-based screening tool with the individual and provide the counseling and intervention. Licensed providers may delegate administration of the evidence-based screening tool to other clinical staff as allowed by their scope of practice, such as a CSAC, a CSAC-supervisee, a licensed registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse. The physician may delegate the counseling and intervention but shall be available for review as needed. Billing for SBIRT shall occur through the licensed provider or agency.