Behavioral Health and Substance Use Final Report - Spring 2018 Cycle 

Mental illness and substance use disorders are leading causes of disability and premature mortality in the United States. Access to high-quality behavioral healthcare is essential to leading a healthy, productive life. To improve care for individuals with mental illness, performance measurement needs to remain operational and current. Each Behavioral Health and Substance Use project cycle aims to endorse measures of accountability for improving the delivery of behavioral health services and achieving better behavioral health outcomes for the U.S. population. During this cycle of work, the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Standing Committee evaluated nine measures related to suicide risk assessments; medication adherence and management; diabetes and cardiovascular screening and monitoring for individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines; and the use of pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder. The Committee recommended all nine measures for endorsement.