Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Establishment
Agencies
The following entities are agencies of the Administration:
The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
The Center for Mental Health Services.
Administrator and Deputy Administrator
Administrator
Deputy Administrator
Authorities
The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall—
supervise the functions of the agencies of the Administration in order to assure that the programs carried out through each such agency receive appropriate and equitable support and that there is cooperation among the agencies in the implementation of such programs;
establish and implement, through the respective agencies, a comprehensive program to improve the provision of treatment and related services to individuals with respect to substance abuse and mental illness and to improve prevention services, promote mental health and protect the legal rights of individuals with mental illnesses and individuals who are substance abusers;
carry out the administrative and financial management, policy development and planning, evaluation, knowledge dissemination, and public information functions that are required for the implementation of this subchapter;
assure that the Administration conduct and coordinate demonstration projects, evaluations, and service system assessments and other activities necessary to improve the availability and quality of treatment, prevention and related services;
support activities that will improve the provision of treatment, prevention and related services, including the development of national mental health and substance abuse goals and model programs;
in cooperation with the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Resources and Services Administration develop educational materials and intervention strategies to reduce the risks of HIV or tuberculosis among substance abusers and individuals with mental illness and to develop appropriate mental health services for individuals with such illnesses;
coordinate Federal policy with respect to the provision of treatment services for substance abuse utilizing anti-addiction medications, including methadone;
conduct programs, and assure the coordination of such programs with activities of the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, as appropriate, to evaluate the process, outcomes and community impact of treatment and prevention services and systems of care in order to identify the manner in which such services can most effectively be provided;
collaborate with the Director of the National Institutes of Health in the development of a system by which the relevant research findings of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute of Mental Health, and, as appropriate, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality are disseminated to service providers in a manner designed to improve the delivery and effectiveness of treatment and prevention services;
encourage public and private entities that provide health insurance to provide benefits for substance abuse and mental health services;
promote the integration of substance abuse and mental health services into the mainstream of the health care delivery system of the United States;
monitor compliance by hospitals and other facilities with the requirements of sections 290dd–1 and 290dd–2 of this title;
with respect to grant programs authorized under this subchapter, assure that—
all grants that are awarded for the provision of services are subject to performance and outcome evaluations; and
all grants that are awarded to entities other than States are awarded only after the State in which the entity intends to provide services—
is notified of the pendency of the grant application; and
is afforded an opportunity to comment on the merits of the application;
assure that services provided with amounts appropriated under this subchapter are provided bilingually, if appropriate;
improve coordination among prevention programs, treatment facilities and nonhealth care systems such as employers, labor unions, and schools, and encourage the adoption of employee assistance programs and student assistance programs;
maintain a clearinghouse for substance abuse and mental health information to assure the widespread dissemination of such information to States, political subdivisions, educational agencies and institutions, treatment providers, and the general public;
in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging, and in consultation with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute of Mental Health, as appropriate, promote and evaluate substance abuse services for older Americans in need of such services, and mental health services for older Americans who are seriously mentally ill; and
promote the coordination of service programs conducted by other departments, agencies, organizations and individuals that are or may be related to the problems of individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse, including liaisons with the Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and other programs of the Department, as well as liaisons with the Department of Education, Department of Justice, and other Federal Departments and offices, as appropriate.
Associate Administrator for Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy
In general
Plan
The Administrator, acting through the Associate Administrator for Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy, shall develop, and periodically review and as appropriate revise, a plan for programs and policies to treat and prevent alcoholism and alcohol abuse. The plan shall be developed (and reviewed and revised) in collaboration with the Directors of the Centers of the Administration and in consultation with members of other Federal agencies and public and private entities.
Not later than 1 year after
Report
Not less than once during each 2 years, the Administrator, acting through the Associate Administrator for Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy, shall prepare a report describing the alcoholism and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs undertaken by the Administration and its agencies, and the report shall include a detailed statement of the expenditures made for the activities reported on and the personnel used in connection with such activities.
Each report under subparagraph (A) shall include a description of any revisions in the plan under paragraph (2) made during the preceding 2 years.
Each report under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted to the Administrator for inclusion in the biennial report under subsection (k) of this section.
Associate Administrator for Women’s Services
Appointment
Duties
The Associate Administrator appointed under paragraph (1) shall—
establish a committee to be known as the Coordinating Committee for Women’s Services (hereafter in this subparagraph referred to as the “Coordinating Committee”), which shall be composed of the Directors of the agencies of the Administration (or the designees of the Directors);
acting through the Coordinating Committee, with respect to women’s substance abuse and mental health services—
identify the need for such services, and make an estimate each fiscal year of the funds needed to adequately support the services;
identify needs regarding the coordination of services;
encourage the agencies of the Administration to support such services; and
assure that the unique needs of minority women, including Native American, Hispanic, African-American and Asian women, are recognized and addressed within the activities of the Administration; and
establish an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee for Women’s Services, which shall be composed of not more than 10 individuals, a majority of whom shall be women, who are not officers or employees of the Federal Government, to be appointed by the Administrator from among physicians, practitioners, treatment providers, and other health professionals, whose clinical practice, specialization, or professional expertise includes a significant focus on women’s substance abuse and mental health conditions, that shall—
advise the Associate Administrator on appropriate activities to be undertaken by the agencies of the Administration with respect to women’s substance abuse and mental health services, including services which require a multidisciplinary approach;
collect and review data, including information provided by the Secretary (including the material referred to in paragraph (3)), and report biannually to the Administrator regarding the extent to which women are represented among senior personnel, and make recommendations regarding improvement in the participation of women in the workforce of the Administration; and
prepare, for inclusion in the biennial report required pursuant to subsection (k) of this section, a description of activities of the Committee, including findings made by the Committee regarding—
the extent of expenditures made for women’s substance abuse and mental health services by the agencies of the Administration; and
the estimated level of funding needed for substance abuse and mental health services to meet the needs of women;
improve the collection of data on women’s health by—
reviewing the current data at the Administration to determine its uniformity and applicability;
developing standards for all programs funded by the Administration so that data are, to the extent practicable, collected and reported using common reporting formats, linkages and definitions; and
reporting to the Administrator a plan for incorporating the standards developed under clause (ii) in all Administration programs and a plan to assure that the data so collected are accessible to health professionals, providers, researchers, and members of the public; and
shall establish, maintain, and operate a program to provide information on women’s substance abuse and mental health services.
Study
The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Personnel, shall conduct a study to evaluate the extent to which women are represented among senior personnel at the Administration.
Not later than 90 days after
The Secretary shall prepare and provide to the Advisory Committee for Women’s Services any additional data as requested.
Office
Definition
For purposes of this subsection, the term “women’s substance abuse and mental health conditions”, with respect to women of all age, ethnic, and racial groups, means all aspects of substance abuse and mental illness—
unique to or more prevalent among women; or
with respect to which there have been insufficient services involving women or insufficient data.
Services of experts
In general
Compensation and expenses
Experts and consultants whose services are obtained under paragraph (1) shall be paid or reimbursed for their expenses associated with traveling to and from their assignment location in accordance with sections 5724, 5724a(a), 5724a(c), and 5726(c) of title 5.
Expenses specified in subparagraph (A) may not be allowed in connection with the assignment of an expert or consultant whose services are obtained under paragraph (1), unless and until the expert or consultant agrees in writing to complete the entire period of assignment or one year, whichever is shorter, unless separated or reassigned for reasons beyond the control of the expert or consultant that are acceptable to the Secretary. If the expert or consultant violates the agreement, the money spent by the United States for the expenses specified in subparagraph (A) is recoverable from the expert or consultant as a debt of the United States. The Secretary may waive in whole or in part a right of recovery under this subparagraph.
Peer review groups
Voluntary services
Administration
Report concerning activities and progress
Not later than
a description of the activities carried out by the Administration;
a description of any measurable progress made in improving the availability and quality of substance abuse and mental health services;
a description of the mechanisms by which relevant research findings of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute of Mental Health have been disseminated to service providers or otherwise utilized by the Administration to further the purposes of this subchapter; and
any report required in this subchapter to be submitted to the Adminstrator 1
Applications for grants and contracts
With respect to awards of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts under this subchapter, the Administrator, or the Director of the Center involved, as the case may be, may not make such an award unless—
an application for the award is submitted to the official involved;
with respect to carrying out the purpose for which the award is to be provided, the application provides assurances of compliance satisfactory to such official; and
the application is otherwise in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such agreements, assurances, and information as the official determines to be necessary to carry out the purpose for which the award is to be provided.
Emergency response
In general
Exceptions
Emergencies
Limitation on the use of certain information
Authorization of appropriations
Source
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title V, § 501, formerly Pub. L. 93–282, title II, § 201,Notes
References in Text
Codification
Prior Provisions
Amendments
Change of Name
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Transfer Provisions
TRANSFERS.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.—
Except as specifically provided otherwise in this Act [see Tables for classification] or an amendment made by this Act, there are transferred to the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration all service related functions which the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration, or the Director of any entity within the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration, exercised before the date of the enactment of this Act [
National Institutes.—
Except as specifically provided otherwise in this Act or an amendment made by this Act, there are transferred to the appropriate Directors of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health, through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, all research related functions which the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration exercised before the date of the enactment of this Act and all related functions of any officer or employee of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration.
Adequate Personnel and Resources.—
The transfers required under this subtitle shall be effectuated in a manner that ensures that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has adequate personnel and resources to carry out its statutory responsibilities and that the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health have adequate personnel and resources to enable such institutes to carry out their respective statutory responsibilities.
TRANSFER AND ALLOCATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS AND PERSONNEL.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.—
Except as otherwise provided in the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], all personnel employed in connection with, and all assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds employed, used, held, arising from, available to, or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred to the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by this subtitle, subject to section 1531 of title 31, United States Code, shall be transferred to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Unexpended funds transferred pursuant to this subsection shall be used only for the purposes for which the funds were originally authorized and appropriated.
National Institutes.—
Except as otherwise provided in the Public Health Service Act, all personnel employed in connection with, and all assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds employed, used, held, arising from, available to, or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred to the Directors of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health by this subtitle, subject to section 1531 of title 31, United States Code, shall be transferred to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health. Unexpended funds transferred pursuant to this subsection shall be used only for the purposes for which the funds were originally authorized and appropriated.
Custody of Balances.—
The actual transfer of custody of obligation balances is not required in order to implement this section.
INCIDENTAL TRANSFERS.
EFFECT ON PERSONNEL.
In General.—
Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle and the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the transfer pursuant to this subtitle of full-time personnel (except special Government employees) and part-time personnel holding permanent positions shall not cause any such employee to be separated or reduced in grade or compensation for one year after the date of transfer of such employee under this subtitle.
Executive Schedule Positions.—
Any person who, on the day preceding the effective date of this Act [see Effective Date of 1992 Amendment note set out under section 236 of this title], held a position compensated in accordance with the Executive Schedule prescribed in chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, and who, without a break in service, is appointed in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to a position having duties comparable to the duties performed immediately preceding such appointment shall continue to be compensated in such new position at not less than the rate provided for such previous position, for the duration of the service of such person in such new position.
SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
Effect on Previous Determinations.—
All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses, and privileges that—
have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the President, any Federal agency or official thereof, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of functions which are transferred by this subtitle; and
are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act [
shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, or the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, as appropriate, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
Continuation of Proceedings.—
In general.—
The provisions of this subtitle shall not affect any proceedings, including notices of proposed rule making, or any application for any license, permit, certificate, or financial assistance pending on the date of enactment of this Act before the Department of Health and Human Services, which relates to the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration or the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or the National Institute of Mental Health, or any office thereof with respect to functions transferred by this subtitle. Such proceedings or applications, to the extent that they relate to functions transferred, shall be continued. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be taken therefrom, and payments shall be made under such orders, as if this Act [see Tables for classification] had not been enacted, and orders issued in any such proceedings shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the Directors of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this subtitle had not been enacted.
Regulations.—
The Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to issue regulations providing for the orderly transfer of proceedings continued under paragraph (1).
Effect on Legal Actions.—
Except as provided in subsection (e)—
the provisions of this subtitle do not affect actions commenced prior to the date of enactment of this Act [
in all such actions, proceedings shall be had, appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner and effect as if this Act had not been enacted.
No Abatement of Actions or Proceedings.—
No action or other proceeding commenced by or against any officer in his official capacity as an officer of the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to functions transferred by this subtitle shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act [see Tables for classification]. No cause of action by or against the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to functions transferred by this subtitle, or by or against any officer thereof in his official capacity, shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act. Causes of action and actions with respect to a function transferred by this subtitle, or other proceedings may be asserted by or against the United States or the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration or the Directors of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Mental Health, as may be appropriate, and, in an action pending when this Act takes effect [see Effective Date of 1992 Amendment note set out under section 236 of this title], the court may at any time, on its own motion or that of any party, enter an order which will give effect to the provisions of this subsection.
Substitution.—
If, before the date of enactment of this Act [
Judicial Review.—
Orders and actions of the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the Directors of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health in the exercise of functions transferred to the Directors by this subtitle shall be subject to judicial review to the same extent and in the same manner as if such orders and actions had been by the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration or the Directors of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Mental Health, or any office or officer thereof, in the exercise of such functions immediately preceding their transfer. Any statutory requirements relating to notice, hearings, action upon the record, or administrative review that apply to any function transferred by this subtitle shall apply to the exercise of such function by the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the Directors.
TRANSITION.
“With the consent of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Directors of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health are authorized to utilize—
the services of such officers, employees, and other personnel of the Department with respect to functions transferred to the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health by this subtitle; and
funds appropriated to such functions for such period of time as may reasonably be needed to facilitate the orderly implementation of this subtitle.
PEER REVIEW.
MERGERS.
CONDUCT OF MULTI-YEAR RESEARCH PROJECTS.
SEPARABILITY.
BUDGETARY AUTHORITY.
Assisted Outpatient Treatment Grant Program for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness
In General.—
The Secretary shall establish a 4-year pilot program to award not more than 50 grants each year to eligible entities for assisted outpatient treatment programs for individuals with serious mental illness.
Consultation.—
The Secretary shall carry out this section in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, the Attorney General of the United States, the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Selecting Among Applicants.—
The Secretary—
may only award grants under this section to applicants that have not previously implemented an assisted outpatient treatment program; and
shall evaluate applicants based on their potential to reduce hospitalization, homelessness, incarceration, and interaction with the criminal justice system while improving the health and social outcomes of the patient.
Use of Grant.—
An assisted outpatient treatment program funded with a grant awarded under this section shall include—
evaluating the medical and social needs of the patients who are participating in the program;
preparing and executing treatment plans for such patients that—
include criteria for completion of court-ordered treatment; and
provide for monitoring of the patient’s compliance with the treatment plan, including compliance with medication and other treatment regimens;
providing for such patients case management services that support the treatment plan;
ensuring appropriate referrals to medical and social service providers;
evaluating the process for implementing the program to ensure consistency with the patient’s needs and State law; and
measuring treatment outcomes, including health and social outcomes such as rates of incarceration, health care utilization, and homelessness.
Report.—
Not later than the end of each of fiscal years 2016, 2017, and 2018, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the grant program under this section. Each such report shall include an evaluation of the following:
Cost savings and public health outcomes such as mortality, suicide, substance abuse, hospitalization, and use of services.
Rates of incarceration by patients.
Rates of homelessness among patients.
Patient and family satisfaction with program participation.
Definitions.—
In this section:
The term ‘assisted outpatient treatment’ means medically prescribed mental health treatment that a patient receives while living in a community under the terms of a law authorizing a State or local court to order such treatment.
The term ‘eligible entity’ means a county, city, mental health system, mental health court, or any other entity with authority under the law of the State in which the grantee is located to implement, monitor, and oversee assisted outpatient treatment programs.
The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Funding.—
Amount of grants.—
A grant under this section shall be in an amount that is not more than $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018. Subject to the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall determine the amount of each grant based on the population of the area, including estimated patients, to be served under the grant.
Authorization of appropriations.—
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018.”
Report by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Relationship Between Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Report With Respect to Administration of Certain Research Programs
Congressional Statement of Policy for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Amendments of 1983
a continued Federal commitment to research into the behavioral and biomedical etiology, the treatment, and the mental and physical health and social and economic consequences of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and drug abuse;
a commitment to—
extensive dissemination to States, units of local government, community organizations, and private groups of the most recent information and research findings with respect to alcohol abuse and alcoholism and drug abuse, including information with respect to the application of research findings; and
the accomplishment of such dissemination through up-to-date publications, demonstrations, educational programs, and other appropriate means;
the provision of technical assistance to research personnel; services personnel, and prevention personnel in the field of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and drug abuse;
the development and encouragement of prevention programs designed to combat the spread of alcoholism, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and the abuse of other legal and illegal substances;
the development and encouragement of effective occupational prevention and treatment programs within Government and in cooperation with the private sector; and
the provision of a Federal response to alcohol abuse and alcoholism and drug abuse which encourages the greatest participation by the private sector, both financially and otherwise, and concentrates on carrying out functions relating to alcohol abuse and alcoholism and drug abuse which are truly national in scope.”