Database of Science-Based Programs Suspended by HHS

Database of Science-Based Programs Suspended by HHS

In September 2017, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), suspended the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. The registry, established in 1997, lists mental health and substance abuse programs that have been assessed by an independent contractor and deemed scientifically sound. As a result of its suspension, approximately 60 programs that have been assessed since September have not been added to the registry.

A spokesperson for HHS indicated that the suspension followed termination of the contract for assessing programs. According to the spokesperson, a new entity within HHS, the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory, will take over the assessment process. The Laboratory is reportedly “working closely” with other parts of HHS to “institute an even more scientifically rigorous approach to better inform the identification and implementation of evidence-based programs and practices.”