NBH has determined the most prevalent diagnoses in the region for both Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Disorders. This was accomplished through a review of available data and discussion with NBH-contracted providers and agency medical director. The Utilization Management/Care Coordination committees researched available practice guidelines for the target diagnoses. NBH prepared summaries of the relevant practice guidelines, including target populations and main treatment recommendations for each guideline. Summaries included quality measures that will be used to determine compliance with the practice guidelines. The final three summaries were presented to Clinical Leadership, during the year end Quality Improvement Committee Meeting.

The three selected practice guidelines include:
• Opiate-related SUD Disorders – Adults
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – Youth
• Major Depressive Disorder – Adults

The Quality Improvement committee was presented with the three practice guideline summaries, provided feedback, and expressed support of the selected practice guidelines. Guidelines shall be reviewed and updated every two years or as new information on the diagnoses becomes available.

Following the selection, dissemination through the NBH website, provider manual and additional training will take place. The UM committee will then work with the Quality Improvement committee in measuring compliance to the guidelines using identified quality measures.