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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session
substance abuse treatment; AHCCCS
Purpose
Transfers, from the Department of Health Services (DHS) to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the administrative responsibility for the Arizona Families in Recovery Succeeding Together (F.I.R.S.T.) Program.
Background
Established in 2000, the Arizona Families F.I.R.S.T. Program (AFF Program) provides community-based substance abuse treatment and supportive services to individuals whose substance abuse is a significant barrier to family reunification or employment. The Department of Child Safety (DCS) works in partnership with DHS as joint administrators of the AFF Program to: 1) coordinate the development of programs, including program eligibility requirements and scope of family-centered services; 2) develop requirements for contractors who provide prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including collaboration with community representatives to ensure services are provided in a comprehensive and integrated manner that is responsive to cultural, demographic and geographic diversity; and 3) prescribes program evaluation standards, including outcome goals for contractors that focus on increasing the availability, timeliness and accessibility of substance abuse treatment (A.R.S. §§ 8-882; 8-883; and 8-884).
Laws 2015, Chapter 19 transferred the administration and oversight of behavioral health services under DHS's Division of Behavioral Health Services to AHCCCS, except for the Arizona State Hospital. AHCCCS is the designated single state agency to develop and administer state plans for alcohol and drug abuse (A.R.S. § 36-2004).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Transfers, from DHS to AHCCCS, responsibility for the administration of the AFF Program in partnership with DCS.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 22, 2021
CRS/kja