A14 - Aligning Quality Measures for Substance Use Care

Monday, April 27, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Location: 708

The panel confronts the most stubborn problem in behavioral health: the lack of consensus on the definition and measurement of quality in SUD care. While the industry frequently discusses the concept, defining it through a standard set of metrics remains elusive. The discussion maps recent transformations, including digital measurement mandates, varying levels of EHR readiness, and the expanding influence of AI. It further explores the disconnect between clinician-focused measurement-based care and the process-heavy metrics often rewarded by payers. Participants then engage in the rigorous task of pressure-testing candidate measures through the lenses of payers, providers, accreditors, and measurement-science perspectives. This collaborative effort seeks to identify an intersection where a concise set of high-value, minimal-burden measures establishes a consensus for the field.

Learning Objectives:

Explore recent transformations that impact measuring quality of care effectively.
Examine the needs of payers and the information collected by clinicians and how to work together.
Identify the best metrics that can stand as an industry standard that works for payers, providers and accreditors.

Disclosure(s):

Annie Peters, PhD, LP: No financial relationships to disclose

Michael Johnson, MA, CAP: No financial relationships to disclose

Julie Seibert, PhD, MPH, MA: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

AP

Annie Peters, PhD, LP

Director of Research and Education
NAATP
Louisville, Colorado

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Michael Johnson, MA, CAP

Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health
CARF International
Tucson, Arizona

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Julie Seibert, PhD, MPH, MA

Assistant Vice President
NCQA
Washington, District of Columbia

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Amber Childs, PhD

Expert Consultant
BHT Impact
West Hartford, Connecticut

Disclosure information not submitted.