American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
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.
Under state law, licensed behavioral health agencies (BHA) providers are required to use The ASAM Criteria. Managed care organizations (MCOs), behavioral health administrative services organizations (BH-ASOs) contracted by the Health Care Authority (HCA), and private insurance plans use The ASAM Criteria as a utilization management tool.
The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition, Volume 1, Adults and Volume 2: Adolescent and Transition Age Youth (ATAY) is now available.
Want to stay up to date on the ASAM?
4th edition timeline
SB 5361 passed in the 2025 legislative session, delaying the adoption date until January of 2028.
Read the ASAM adoption readiness FAQ
While the adoption date is delayed, clinicians are encouraged to continue to work on quality improvement.
Information about ASAM trainings
HCA in partnership with Train for Change offered comprehensive free trainings for providers between July 2024 and June 2025. While the state does not anticipate receiving funding for additional training, we appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in past trainings.
As of 2026, the state will communicate any instance of refresher courses and/or resources. There will be ASAM Technical Assistance support pre and post implementation. Please look for quarterly communication updates.
External training resources
Train for Change
Train for Change offers open training classes for individuals. Visit Train for Change open events for fees and scheduling.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine
ASAM 4th Edition resources
ASAM video trainings
The following trainings are available on YouTube. CEUs are not available for prerecorded trainings.