§290dd–2a Promoting Access to Information on Evidence-based Programs and Practices

Summary

The Assistant Secretary must make it easier for states, communities, nonprofits, and others to find trustworthy information on evidence-based mental health and substance use programs by posting reviewed programs and how strong their evidence is on the Administration’s website. The Assistant Secretary can set times to accept applications for posting and must announce those times in the Federal Register. Notices can ask for programs to fill gaps found by the Assistant Secretary, the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory, or the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, including work tied to the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act of 2016 or the strategic plan under section 290aa(l). The Assistant Secretary can require certain information in applications, like research and evaluations, and must review applications before posting. Reviews can be prioritized based on the notice. A rating system may be used to show the strength of the evidence and research quality. The measures used to judge applications and any ratings must be posted for the public to see.