July 31, 2010 

CORE FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS

IAMAAT measures competency through 14 Core Functions that are performed by MAATPs to various degrees. MAATPs are not required to be experts in the Core Functions, but are expected to gain proficiency as they advance in their careers.

Admissions Screening - The process by which a patient is determined appropriate and eligible for admission to a particular program.

Intake – The administrative and initial assessment procedures for admission to a MAAT program. The result of this assessment should suggest the focus for treatment and the medication dosage.

Orientation - The process of describing the following to the patient:

• general nature and goals of the program
• rules governing patient conduct and infractions that can lead to disciplinary action or discharge from the program
• the methods/hours during which services are available in a nonresidential program and provisions for emergency contact during hours in which services/emergency services are not available
• infectious diseases
• treatment costs to be borne by the patient, if any
• patient’s rights

Assessment - The procedures by which the MAATP identifies and evaluates an individual's strengths, weaknesses, problems and needs for the development of the treatment plan.

Treatment Planning - The process by which the MAATP and the patient:

• identify and rank problems needing resolution
• establish agreed-upon immediate and long-term goals
• decide on a treatment process and the resources to be used

Treatment planning is a dynamic process, and plans must be regularly reviewed and modified as appropriate.

MAAT Case Management - Activities that bring services, agencies, resources or people together within a planned framework of action toward the achievement of established goals.  Case Management may involve liaison activities and collateral contacts.

Crisis Intervention - Provision of services that respond to MAAT patients’ needs during acute emotional and/or physical distress.  MAATPs must be able to identify crises when they surface, attempt to relieve or resolve the immediate problem and if possible, use the negative events to enhance treatment efforts. 

Patient Education - Provision of information to individuals and groups concerning MAAT patients, associated medical and mental health problems in patients who are alcohol and other drug addicted and the availability of services and resources within each community.

Referral - Identifying the needs of the patient that cannot be met by the MAATP or agency and assisting the patient in using the support systems and community resources available.

Reports and Record Keeping - Charting the results of the assessment and treatment plan, and writing reports, progress notes, discharge summaries, toxicology results and other patient related data.

Consultation with Other Professionals - Communicating with professionals to assure comprehensive, quality care for the patient regarding treatment/services.

Attitudes Towards MAAT Populations - The process of interacting with alcohol and other drug addicted patients.  Given the distinct problems associated with this population, the MAATP must take into consideration the following: patient orientation, stigma of having an addiction, cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness.

Roles, Boundaries and Professional Relationship Dynamics - The nature of relationships between professional and patient.  Constantly assessing his/her role with patients, the MAATP must realize biases towards the issues of alcohol and other drug addiction and/or abuse and must understand the dynamics of transference and counter transference to avoid entering into dual relationships.

Health and Safety – The process of identifying, assessing and addressing environmental characteristics that could adversely affect the well-being of MAAT patients and others.  MAATPs must have a basic understanding of CPR and first aid, nursing procedures, infection control, universal precautions, sanitation, basic principles of nutrition, dosing, drug testing, pain management and rules and regulations relating to patient safety including a diversion control plan.