ASAM Criteria Updates for Adult Substance Use Services (IB 24-2 revised 4.9.26)

Date: 04/10/26

Louisiana Healthcare Connections is sharing that a revision has been made to IB 24-2: ASAM Criteria Updates for Adult Substance Use Services. This revision encourages providers to begin preparation now to comply with revision made in the Medicaid Behavioral Health Services Provider Manual. Trainings have been developed and are schedule to begin in March and conclude in May. Providers can find the ASAM 4th Edition Trainings calendar here.

These trainings are to help educate providers regarding the transition to evidence-based practice standards in the ASAM Criteria – 4th Edition for Adults for various levels of care is scheduled for 2026, with providers required to be in full compliance with revised rules, regulations and Medicaid policy criteria by July 1, 2026. The updated Medicaid fee schedule reflective of associated rate increases went into effect January 1, 2026. Providers may review Medicaid Informational Bulletin 25-31 and the Specialized Behavioral Health Fee Schedule for more information.