ASAM Certification

The following substance use disorder providers are required to certify the ASAM level(s) of care they provide as part of the enrollment process:

• Minnesota substance use disorder treatment programs licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP)
• Minnesota withdrawal management programs licensed by DHS and enrolled in MHCP
• Out-of-state SUD providers enrolled in MHCP
• Tribal SUD providers may elect to certify

Substance use disorder (SUD) providers must have the appropriate program license—, or be close to completing the licensing process, before applying for ASAM Certification.

• Providers licensed under 245G must also obtain the 245G.20 license, Specializing in the Treatment of Persons with a Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Disorder.
• If one of the licenses is missing, work with DHS Licensing to obtain necessary licensing requirements.

Follow the steps below to certify an ASAM level of care:

1. Complete and sign:
   • ASAM Certification Checklist (DHS-7325)
   • Patient Referral Arrangement Agreements for each level of care your program does not provide (DHS-7309).
   • Any additional supporting materials.
2. Submit these documents to asam.dhs@state.mn.us.

Next Steps:

• The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) will review your submission and notify you of your ASAM certification status or request additional information.
• Once approved, you will receive an Approval to Enroll letter that includes your enrollment effective date and required next steps. You must complete these steps for your provider record to be updated and to begin billing for services.
• As of July 1, 2025, following the approval of the ASAM Certification Checklist, providers are required to submit their Assurance Statement (DHS-7323-ENG) and Approval to Enroll letter to Provider Enrollment and Compliance (PEC) through the Minnesota Provider and Screening Enrollment (MPSE) portal or via fax, 651-431-7504.
• All approved providers are required to participate in utilization management (UM). To fulfill this requirement, please contact our UM vendor Acentra at minnesotaasam@acentra.com to request an Atrezzo Portal account. 
• Certified providers are listed in a public MHCP directory to support care coordination and referrals.

Tools and assessments

ASAM Readiness tool: This self-assessment tool is designed to help providers evaluate their preparedness for implementing ASAM criteria effectively. The tool assists in identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in alignment with ASAM guidelines. This tool is for the agency's benefit and is not intended for review or use by the Minnesota Department of Human Services for any purpose.

• “ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition” Readiness tool
• “ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition” Readiness tool

Training

The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has partnered with Train for Change to provide free ASAM training for SUD treatment providers in Minnesota. These trainings will be available throughout 2025 and will cover various topics, including:

• “ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition” skill building
• ASAM Criteria overview
• ASAM Criteria treatment planning training
• Harm reduction approach within the ASAM Criteria framework
• The evolution of the ASAM Criteria: What’s new in the Fourth Edition

These sessions aim to enhance provider knowledge and application of the ASAM Criteria in treatment settings. E-memos are sent out monthly with the most up to date information for trainings being offered. You can access the e-memos through free e-mail subscription services. Select from the list to receive periodic e-memos on behavioral health topics. See recent e-Memos.

Train for Change also offers on-demand ASAM Webinars. Each licensed SUD treatment program in Minnesota is eligible for one training license. A representative from each licensed program can request a training license by contacting us at asam.dhs@state.mn.us.

Acentra

BHA partners with Acentra to implement the federally required utilization management and review processes.

Acentra provides online training, including monthly lunch and learn sessions on ASAM topics and open office hours for assistance with the SUD portal.

FAQ and technical assistance

Q: Are SUD treatment providers in Minnesota required to use the “ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition” or “ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition”?

A: Currently, Minnesota statutes are aligned with the “ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition.” This is reflected in the ASAM levels of care and the ASAM six dimensions outlined in MS 254B. While a licensed program must comply with the requirements in the statute, the program may also integrate “ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition” into the program if desired.

Of note: Utilization Management reviews will be looking for programs to meet “ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition” requirements.

Q: Are providers required to participate in Utilization Management?

A: Yes. Please Fill out the MN SUD Provider Contact Form and email our UM vendor Acentra at minnesotaasam@acentra.com to request an Atrezzo Portal account.

Additional resources

Acentra/MHCP website: Utilization management

Relevant Statues

• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245G (Substance Use Disorder Licensed Treatment Facilities)
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245F (Withdrawal Management Programs)
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 254B (Substance Use Disorder Treatment

ASAM website

• ASAM Education
• Proposed Updates to the “ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition,” adolescent volume  
• Proposed Framework for “ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition": Correctional settings & community reentry volume

Minnesota Chapter of ASAM

Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) Provider Directory.

Providers can use the MHCP Provider Directory to check their enrollment status by searching for their name, NPI, location or ASAM level of care. If they do not appear in the directory or need updates, they can visit the MHCP Provider Enrollment Portal or contact the MHCP Provider Call Center for assistance.