Information for Treatment Providers of Substance Use Disorder
Evaluators
Nurses are required to obtain a substance use disorder evaluation as part of the CARES intake process and to follow the resulting treatment recommendations. Evaluations must be conducted by an SUDP or other qualified professional (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, advanced nurse practitioner). An evaluation performed by an SUDP-T is not accepted.
Nurses may seek an evaluation through any Washington State-certified substance use treatment service or other qualified provider. State-certified treatment services can be found in the Behavioral Health Agencies Directory PDF. Nurses are responsible for all costs related to the evaluation.
The evaluation should include a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, appraisal of the ability to provide safe care, and treatment recommendations. CARES does not provide treatment and relies solely on evaluators for those recommendations. The evaluation findings will help determine the individualized monitoring components to be included in the nurse’s CARES contract.
Additionally, CARES may refer nurses for a comprehensive substance use/mental health evaluation if there are other behavioral health concerns.
Treatment Providers
Upon entry of the CARES nurse into your treatment program, please fax (360-359-7956) documentation of your brief or general assessment, treatment goals, the usual duration of the program, any additional recommendations and date of the client’s entry. If you have immediate questions, please contact CARES by phone (360-236-2880, option 1).
As a condition of participation in CARES, the nurse must authorize communication between CARES and their treatment provider(s). This helps ensure public safety and that treatment providers have the necessary information. Please have the nurse sign an authorization with you to speak with CARES.
CARES requires monthly faxed (360-359-7956) treatment progress reports. Reports are due by the 5th of each month. You may use your standard progress report or the CARES Therapist report.
Upon completing the treatment program, please send written documentation of the completion date, discharge plans, and after-care follow-up.
If the nurse terminates from your program before the completion of initial treatment or aftercare, please notify the CARES case manager immediately. In addition, if you have concerns regarding the nurse while attending your program, please call to discuss them. CARES requires that you report all relapses/positive drug screens immediately by phone.