Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
April 29, 2005, Vol. 05-67

NEW FREEDOM COMMISSION ON MENTAL HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE ON EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES BACKGROUND PAPER RELEASED

The Background Paper by the Evidence-Based Subcommittee of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health has recently been released.

The following is from the Introduction to the Paper:

This background paper of the Subcommittee on Evidence-Based Practices begins with a definition and discussion of the importance of evidence-based practices as reflected in the report on mental health from the Surgeon General (HHS, 1999). After reviewing the opportunities created by the evidence-based practice approach, as well as some of its limitations, this paper describes a series of current initiatives in implementing evidence based practices. It also covers the importance of having an infrastructure for supporting that implementation activity. Because infrastructure is so critical, it becomes the focus of much of the final section, which consists of the proposed policy options from the Subcommittee.

These policy options are introduced within a conceptual framework, called "overcoming systemic barriers," derived from the final chapter of the Surgeon General's 1999 report (HHS). Each of the eight courses of action suggested by the Surgeon General is discussed in relation to implementing evidence-based practices. These general areas for policy options are then discussed in more detail.

The specific policy options of the Subcommittee are presented in three main subsections identified as Policy Areas 1 (National Leadership), 2 (Advancing Knowledge), and 3 (Financing). The relevant courses of action are detailed within each policy area. Following discussion of a general policy option within each policy area, more specific options are offered. Each policy option also describes a set of possible implementation approaches, offering a brief assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

To access the paper, see <http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov/reports/EBP_Final_040605.pdf>. A limited number of hard copies are available at 1-800-789-2647.

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.