Abstract
The need for minimum standards of service delivery in drug and alcohol treatment agencies is outlined, and the Australian standards developed to date are discussed. It is argued that such standards are insufficient to assure the efficacy of treatment approaches used in treatment agencies, although they are an important and necessary precursor to the implementation of patterns of optimum care. The nature of optimum care standards is outlined and one methodology for developing optimum standards is described.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Richard P. Mattick
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit
Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.