Screening and Access to Services
Written policies and procedures guide the organization in screening applicants for specific services, which includes defining access to services. The Federal guidelines dictate the eligibility requirements for opioid treatment services. Each program has clearly written admission, re-admission, and exclusionary criteria used for decision-making by program personnel. If an individual is found to be ineligible for services, then he or she should be informed as to the reason. Recommendations must be made for alternative services and referral sources are notified of such, if permitted.

Informed Consent
Prior to the initiation of treatment services, individuals should receive information about the nature of the treatment regimen, its risk and benefits, and give written consent to such treatment.

Special Populations
The Federal Government views women, pregnant women, children and adolescents, and/or individuals with a dual diagnosis to be designated as special populations. These special populations receive particular attention in the accreditation standards manual. Services to pregnant clients are offered to maximize the health outcomes for both the mother and the child.

Physical Screening/Medical Examination
Before an individual can be admitted to an opioid treatment program (OTP), a physical evaluation is conducted and documented. In addition, a full medical examination, along with related laboratory work, is completed within 14 days of admission. This medical assessment is part of the overall determination of treatment eligibility, which also includes the psychosocial assessment component.

Waiting Lists
If an organization has a waiting list, this CARF standard states that waiting lists should be managed in an active manner. Data should be gathered on people's needs, length of time on the list, etc. Contacts with individuals on the waiting list should occur, referrals should be made, and the information should be reviewed and incorporated into the organization's information management system.

Client Orientation
Client orientation to the full array of program services is a critical first step to a successful treatment outcome. Providing a thorough orientation to the organization/program in an understandable manner should help increase client retention in services, client satisfaction with services, and reduce any potential misunderstandings regarding expectations. Per CARF standards, client orientation does not have to be conducted by any one individual, within a certain time frame, or in one session.

Assessment
All programs should continually conduct assessments (primary and reassessments) on each client within established time frames. The assessments are conducted by qualified staff members and include information from the client as well as family members, friends, peers, and other collateral sources, when applicable and permitted. Assessment information is collected in a respectful manner that identifies the client's expectations and needs, and provides for the use of assistive technology if needed. Then the assessment information is shared with the client and others, as appropriate. After gathering information in the various domain areas listed in the CARF standards, the data result in an interpretive summary that leads to the development of the individualized treatment plan.