PRIVACY POLICY

The Agency’s SAOP program is designed for adults over the age of 18 and older with substance abuse or co-occurring MH/SA disorders.  SAOP includes case management to arrange, link, or integrate multiple services as well as assessment and reassessment of the recipient’s need for services. SAOP Qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (QSAP)  inform the recipient about benefits, community resources, and services; assist the recipient in accessing benefits and services; arrange for the recipient to receive benefits and services; and monitors the provision of services.  In addition, the QSAP assists in coordinating services for each person served by:

 • Assuming responsibility for ensuring the implementation of the person-centered plan.

 • Ensuring that the person served is oriented to his or her services. 

• Promoting the participation of the person served on an ongoing basis in discussions of his or her plans, goals, and status.

 • Identifying and addressing gaps in service provision. 

• Sharing information on how to access community resources relevant to his or her needs. 

• Advocating for the person served, when applicable. 

• Communicating information regarding the progress of the person served to the appropriate persons. 

• Facilitating the transition process, including arrangements for follow-up services. 

• Involving the family or legal guardian, when applicable or permitted. 

• Coordinating services provided outside of the organization. 

Location of Services Service recipients may be residents of their own home, a substitute home, or a group care setting; however, the SAOP must be provided in a licensed setting separate from the consumer’s residence. 

The program is provided over several weeks or months. Service Delivery A typical service recipient receives an individual session and one group session per week.  Crisis services are offered 24/7/365 to recipients receiving this service.  

Fees The agency has developed a fee schedule for all services rendered.  The fee schedule will be made available to all service recipients. The agency does not employ a sliding fee scale. The agency takes Medicaid as payment in full. The agency may not bill the service recipient for any fees not covered by Medicaid including no-show fees. Co-pays and deductibles for private insurance are payable at the time of services unless other arrangements have been made Treatment Model The Agency utilizes a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy model as its evidence-based practice. 

Expected Outcomes/Program Goals The expected outcome of SAOP is abstinence. Secondary outcomes (i.e., in abstinent patients) include sustained improvement in health and psychosocial functioning, improvement in the quality of life, reduction in any psychiatric symptoms (if present), reduction in public health and/or safety concerns, integration into the community, and a reduction in the risk of relapse. Adult Eligibility Requirements The recipient is eligible for this service when A. There is a primary diagnosis of substance abuse disorder present; AND B. ASAM Level of Care Criteria, level I.  AND C. 18 years old or older  

Continued Stay Criteria The desired outcome or level of functioning has not been restored, improved, or sustained over the time frame outlined in the recipient’s Person-Centered Plan or the recipient continues to be at risk for relapse based on history or the tenuous nature of the functional gains or any one of the following applies: 

• Recipient has achieved positive life outcomes that support stable and ongoing recovery, and additional goals are indicated. 

• Recipient is making satisfactory progress toward meeting goals. 

• The recipient is making some progress, but the Person-Centered Plan (specific interventions) needs to be modified so that greater gains, which are consistent with the recipient's premorbid level of functioning, are possible or can be achieved. 

• Recipient is not making progress; the Person-Centered Plan must be modified to identify more effective interventions 

• Recipient is regressing; the Person-Centered Plan must be modified to identify more effective interventions. 

Discharge/Transition Criteria The Recipient’s level of functioning has improved concerning the goals outlined in the Person-Centered Plan, inclusive of a transition plan to step down, or no longer benefits, or can function at this level of care and any of the following apply: 

• Recipient has achieved positive life outcomes that support stable and ongoing recovery. 

• The recipient is not making progress or is regressing, and all realistic treatment options have been exhausted, indicating a need for more intensive services. 

• Recipient no longer wishes to receive SAOP services. 

• Funding is inadequate to support the service Utilization Management  Authorization by the funding authorizer vendor is required. The amount, duration, and frequency of SAOP Service must be included in an individual’s authorized Person-Centered Plan.  Documentation Requirements The service records document the nature and course of an individual’s progress in treatment. To bill for services, providers must ensure that their documentation is consistent with the requirements contained in this policy and Maryland COMAR statutory requirements.