ASAM Implementation of the SUD 1115 Waiver

Moving to Fourth Edition of "The ASAM Criteria"

Please ensure you can move forward with the implementation of "The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition" effective July 1, 2027. For any licensing and/or certification renewal reviews that occur before this date, the Licensing and Certification Unit will extend all ASAM levels of care previously approved in alignment with the renewal period. To ensure continued eligibility for Medicaid reimbursement, providers must be licensed and/or certified and have each level of care reflected on their license/certificate.

ASAM Updates

Reconciling third and fourth editions of The ASAM Criteria – Updated timeline (7/30/2025)

Find previous ASAM updates on the Tools for Behavioral Health Providers page.

ASAM Level of Care Applications

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will use "The ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition" rules when conducting regularly scheduled compliance reviews and investigations for all programs starting April 1, 2024.

OHA plans to transition to "The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition" rules on July 1, 2027.

Main Level of Care (LOC) Application: Submitted by all licensed and certified programs. Addresses overall information so as not to repeat it per LOC.
Outpatient LOC Application: Submitted by all certified outpatient programs. Addresses new ASAM rules that apply to outpatient services.
Residential LOC Application: Submitted by all licensed residential SUD programs. One application per licensed facility. Addresses new ASAM rules that apply to residential services.
Withdrawal Management LOC Application: Submitted by all licensed withdrawal management SUD programs. One application per licensed facility. Addresses new ASAM rules that apply to withdrawal management services.

Meeting Dates and Material

For ASAM 3rd Edition workgroup meetings, please visit the ASAM Workgroups archive page.

OHA's open forum on the transition to the ASAM 4th Edition is on hold until further notice.

OHA will announce dates as the ASAM 4 Transition project progresses.

Pending

Meeting Accommodation

Everyone has a right to know about and use OHA programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

Sign language and spoken language interpreters
Written materials in other languages
Braille
Large print
Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions about the ASAM 4th Edition meetings, please contact Amanda Braxton (503-508-6794, TTY 711) at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Resources

ASAM Foundational Trainings - Offered through July 1, 2026. For training support, email OHA the following information:

The desired version (3.0 or 4.0)
Name, credentials, and email of staff who need training.

You will receive account details and a training access code by email.

SUD Provider Resources: Memos and technical assistance sessions

Documents

ASAM Initial Level of Care Application Compliance Checklists (2023): OHA uses these lists when reviewing the initial applications that are due Oct. 1, 2023.

Rules effective April 7, 2023. Each document has highlights to show the different implementation timelines. See the memorandum for description of the timelines by color.

Questions?

Email the SUD Waiver project team.

Also view Frequently Asked Questions about ASAM Criteria Requirements (updated 1/20/2023)