§290dd–2a Promoting access to information on evidence-based programs and practices

Summary

The Assistant Secretary must make it easier to find trustworthy information about evidence-based programs and practices for mental and substance use disorders. The information must be posted on the Administration’s website and show which programs were reviewed and how strong the evidence is. The people who can use this include States, local communities, nonprofits, and other stakeholders. The Assistant Secretary can open a time period to accept applications for programs to be posted and must announce that period in the Federal Register. The notice can ask for programs to fill gaps identified by the Assistant Secretary, the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory, or the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, including work under section 6021 of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act of 2016 or priorities in the strategic plan under section 290aa(l). The Assistant Secretary can set basic application rules, must review applications before posting, may give priority to ones tied to the notice, can use a rating system (including evidence strength and research rigor), and must publish the review criteria and ratings.