Case management has a vital role in addiction treatment as it helps to adopt a holistic approach and empower the client. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS, 2004), “substance abusers have better treatment outcomes if their other problems are addressed concurrently” (pp.1-2). Case management aims at planning and coordinating health and social services to meet the individualized needs of addicts (HHS, 2004). In other words, case managers guide their clients to help them acquire the resources needed to ensure the best outcomes.
In Florida, there are numerous programs funded by the state. First, there are state-funded treatment programs available in the Agency for Community Treatment Services in Tampa, FL. The program provides drug and alcohol addiction treatment and takes clients on opioid medication (“Agency for Community Treatment Services,” n.d.). The program utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), a twelve-step approach, and many methodologies (“Agency for Community Treatment Services,” n.d.). The program provides numerous services, including case management, employment counseling, self-help support groups, and screenings for various disorders.
Second, there is a similar program in Miami, FL, provided by Banyan Health Systems. While the program has the same primary focus, it differs in terms of adopted methodologies, types of treatments, and provided services. The program provides drug and alcohol addiction treatment, relapse prevention for alcohol, anti-alcohol medication, psychiatric disorder medications, an opioid blocker (“Banyan Health Systems,” n.d.). In addition to the services provided by Agency for Community Treatment Services, Banyan Health Systems offers family therapy and hepatitis A, B, and C education counseling or support (“Banyan Health Systems,” n.d.). All the services may be obtained for free only if clients qualify for the state programs.
There are certain legal requirements these programs should meet in order to be approved by the state. All clients are to be defended from malpractice, which usually comes from the situations when patients feel the provider was discourteous and did not take time with the patient to listen or explain. Case managers and other providers of the program are required to link to relevant and effective service while monitoring, connecting, and synchronizing all these services (Monchick, Scheyett, & Pfeifer, 2006).
Moreover, the programs are to operate only if the informed consent is signed. Additionally, all the obtained information should be handled with care to protect clients’ confidentiality. In summary, the programs should adhere to both federal and state legal standards.
Case managers of these programs should also comply with the NAADAC Code of Ethics. Case managers are to ensure effective and efficient relationships with the client by providing beneficial services and accurate and complete information (NAADAC, 2016). Case managers should also acknowledge the individual’s personal and cultural background while working in a culturally diverse world (NAADAC, 2016). Case managers are expected to understand their professional responsibility and adhere to workplace standards (NAADAC, 2016). Case managers should understand the principles of confidentiality, privileged communication, and privacy (NAADAC, 2016). Finally, they should promote the development of their colleagues by providing consultation and supervision (NAADAC, 2016).
In conclusion, case managers’ role is of extreme importance to addiction treatment. Case managers ensure that all problems are addressed concurrently. Both reviewed programs financed by the state offer the services of case managers. These specialists are to adhere to legal standards and NAADAC ethical code.
References
Agency for Community Treatment Services/(ACTS)/Drew Park Transitional Housing In Tampa, FL. (n.d.). Web.
Banyan Health Systems/Integrated Adult Outpatient Services in Miami, FL. (n.d.). Web.
Monchick, R., Scheyett, A., & Pfeifer, J. (2006). Drug court case management: Role, function, and utility. Alexandria, VA: National Drug Court Institute.
NAADAC. (2016). Code of ethics. Web.
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2004). Case management for substance abuse treatment: A guide for treatment providers. Rockville, MD: HHS Publications.