Why does the substance use measure only focus on newly enrolled clients?
The purpose of screening newly enrolled clients is to identify past or current problems with substance use that can negatively impact linkage to care and management of their disease. The measure hones in on this aspect of care knowing that additional assistance may be required to effectively link this population to care. This does not imply established clients should not be screened. As part of their ongoing care, all clients should be screened annually for substance use.
