SAMHSA Slashes Time on Substance Services Paperwork
Published Date: 5/28/2025
Notice
Summary
SAMHSA is sharing updates about how religious groups can get federal funds to help with substance use services without losing their religious identity. No big changes are happening, but a small update means less paperwork and lower costs for states. This keeps things fair and easy for everyone involved, with no new fees or deadlines to worry about.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Religious Groups Can Get Grant Funds
Under 42 CFR Parts 54 and 54a, religious organizations may compete on equal footing for federal funds to provide substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services (including the SUBG block grant, PATH formula grant, and certain SAMHSA discretionary grants) without impairing their religious character or the religious freedom of service recipients. These rules implement Section 1955 of the Public Health Service Act and related statutory provisions.
You Must Be Told About Alternative Providers
Under 42 CFR 54.8(b) and 54a.8(b), programs funded under these rules must notify program beneficiaries that they have a right to be referred to an alternative service provider. SAMHSA's table shows these participant notice activities include 60 SUBG notices, 56 PATH notices, and 1,460 notices under Part 54a, with estimated per-response burdens shown in the table (.05 hours for some notices, 1 hour for others).
Minor Reporting Change Lowers States' Paperwork
SAMHSA made a minor update to the annual burden estimates in 42 CFR 54.8(c)(4) that resulted in a decrease in total reported burden costs. The agency says this change reflects current state reporting and reduces paperwork and costs for states.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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