Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-9-47-.01

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 580-9-47-.01 - Definitions

All definitions provided herein and the addenda are applicable to all Prevention Standards, practices and policies in the State of Alabama.

(1) Activities: Efforts to be conducted to achieve the identified objectives.

(2) Adaptation: Modification made to a chosen intervention's changes in audience, setting and/or intensity of program delivery. Research indicates that adaptations are most effective when underlying program theory is understood, core program components have been identified and both the community and needs of a population of interest have been carefully defined.

(3) Advocacy: To promote the interest or cause of a particular initiative.

(4) Alternative Activities: One of the six (6)prevention strategies identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) that can be used as part of a comprehensive prevention program. This strategy provides for the participation of the target population in activities that are alcohol, tobacco and drug-free. Examples of alternative activities include drug-free dances and parties, youth and adult leadership activities, community drop-in centers, community service activities and mentoring program. This strategy is based upon the assumption that constructive and healthy activities offset the attraction to drugs; or otherwise meet the needs usually filled by drugs; and can lead to the reduction or elimination of substance use. The use of alternative activities alone as a prevention strategy has not been shown to be effective, but alternative activities should be part of a comprehensive plan.

(5) Best practices: Programs, practices and policies that have been rigorously researched and evaluated and have been shown to effectively prevent or delay substance abuse.

(6) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP): CSAP is a center within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that provides national leadership in the effort to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. CSAP works with states and communities to develop comprehensive prevention approaches to promote healthy communities.

(7) Capacity: The infrastructure necessary to support needed programs and services in communities. Examples include human resources (e.g. personnel with different skill sets), material resources (e.g. technical abilities and systems) and administrative resources (e.g. telephones).

(8) Coalition: A formal arrangement for cooperation and collaboration between groups or sectors of a community, in which each group retains its identity but all agree to work together toward a common goal of building a safe, healthy and drug free community.

(9) Community: A group of individuals who share cultural and social experiences within a common geographic or political jurisdiction. A community may be a neighborhood, town, part of a county, county school district, congressional district or regional area.

(10) Community-based Process Strategy: One of six(6)prevention strategies identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) that can be used as part of a comprehensive prevention program. This strategy aims to enhance the ability of the community to provide more effective prevention and treatment services for substance abuse disorders by including activities such as organizing, planning, interagency collaboration, coalition building and networking.

(11) Community domain: One of the spheres of influences identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) to prevent substance use. Community encompasses the societal environments in which consumers live, work and socialize. Community domain risk factors include:

(a) Lack of bonding or attachment to social and community institutions.

(b) Lack of community awareness or acknowledgment of substance use problems.

(c) Community norms favorable to substance use and tolerant of abuse.

(d) Insufficient community resources to support prevention efforts.

(e) Inability to address substance abuse issues.

(12) Community norms: The attitudes and policies toward substance use and crime that a community holds, which are communicated in a variety of ways such as laws, written policies, informal social practices and expectations that parents and other members of the community may have of young people.

(13) Comprehensive approach: A systemic and programmatic approach to prevention services that addresses risk and protective factors from multiple domains using different programs, practices and policies.

(14) Continuing education: Education and training experiences designed to update knowledge and skills. Every activity offered for continuing education (CE) credit, regardless of its length, must have clearly defined educational objectives and goals that must be made available to participants prior to enrollment in the workshop or training. Prevention CE hours must focus on subject matter that is specific to prevention and have explicit prevention learning objectives.

(15) Criminal History Check: is a listing of certain information taken from fingerprint submissions retained by federal and state law enforcement agencies in connection with arrests and, in some instances, federal employment, naturalization, or military service.

(16) Culture: The behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic or age group. Deep culture includes those characteristics that are not visible by observation, which surface culture includes those characteristics that are visible by observation.

(17) Cultural competence: The capacity of individuals to incorporate ethnic/cultural considerations into all aspects of substance abuse prevention and reduction. Cultural competence is maximized by diverse representation during every phase of the implementation process and the process and outcomes evaluation.

(18) Data: Information or facts from which conclusions can be drawn; collected according to a methodology using specific research methods and instruments. A data driven process is whereby decisions are informed by and tested against systematically gathered and analyzed information.

(19) Domain: The spheres of influence (activity) that may affect substance use. The domains are individual (peer), family, school (work) and community (society/ environment). Characteristics and conditions that exist within each domain of activity may act as risk or protective factors and present an opportunity for preventive action.

(20) Education strategy: One (1)of six (6) prevention strategies identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) that can be used as part of a comprehensive prevention program. This strategy involves interactive communication between the educator and participants and goes beyond information dissemination. Activities for this strategy aim to affect life and social skills, including decision making refusal and critical analysis skills. Examples of activities for this strategy include classroom and small group sessions, parenting and family management classes, peer leader and peer helper programs, education programs for youth groups and children of substance abusers.

(21) Environment: In the Public Health Model, the environment is the context in which the host and the agent exist. The environment creates conditions that increase or decrease the chance that the host will become susceptible and the agent more effective. In the case of substance abuse, the environment is a societal climate that encourages, supports, reinforces or sustains problematic use of drugs.

(22) Environment strategy: One(1)of six(6) prevention strategies identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) that can be used as part of a comprehensive prevention program. This strategy seeks to establish or change community standards, codes and attitudes, thereby influencing the substance use in the general population. Examples of methods used include:

(a) Establishing and reviewing drug policies in schools.

(b) Reviewing and modifying alcohol and tobacco advertising practices.

(c) Product pricing (increases in tobacco or alcohol taxes).

(d) Enacting policies targeting underage drivers such as zero (0) tolerance laws for underage drinking and driving and graduated driving privileges.

(e) Interventions addressing location and density of retail outlets selling alcohol and tobacco.

(f) Implementing neighborhood anti-drug strategies, such as citizen surveillance and the use of civil remedies-particularly nuisance abatement programs, to reduce the number and density of retail drug operations.

(g) Restrictions on smoking/tobacco use in public and private indoor facilities to reduce tobacco use among adults and youth.

(h) Server-training programs combined with law enforcement to reduce serving alcohol to minors.

(23) Epidemiological Profile: A summary and characterization of the consumption (use) patterns and consequences of the abuse of ATOD (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) or other substances. The epidemiological profile identifies the sources of data on consumption patterns as well as the indicators used to identify consequences (e.g., morbidity and mortality).

(24) Ethics: A stated set of principles and behaviors designed to ensure the highest standards of professional practice. In Prevention Ethics areas covered typically include non-discrimination, competence, legal and moral standards, public statements, publication credit, client welfare, confidentiality, client relationships, inter-professional relationships and remuneration.

(25) Evaluation: The systematic collection and analysis of data needed to make informed decisions about the effectiveness of a specific program or intervention. Effective evaluations assess whether programs are implemented as planned and whether positive outcomes occur among participants.

(26) Evaluation method: The method used to collect and assess program and outcome information (data).

(27) Evidence-Based (Programs/Practices): As described by SAMHSA, three categories of programming that are conceptually sound, consistent, and reasonably well implemented and evaluated. The three levels include Promising Programming, Effective Programming, and Model Programming.

(28) Fidelity: Replicating a program model or strategy. A program having "fidelity" should be implemented with the same specifications of the original program. Fidelity can balance with adaptations to meet local needs.

(29) Human services: The general study of human and social services that prepares individuals to work in public and private service agencies and organizations. Human services degrees of higher education that are accepted within the Prevention field are a Bachelor's Degree in:

(a) Applied Health Science (e.g. Community Health, Industrial Hygiene).

(b) Communication Disorders (e.g. Audiology, Interpreting, Speech, Deaf Education).

(c) Criminal Justice.

(d) Environmental Health (e.g. Environmental Health, Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health).

(e) Gerontology.

(f) Medical Technology.

(g) Nursing.

(h) Social Work or Sociology.

(i) Kinesiology (e.g. Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Education).

(j) Recreation Administration (e.g. Leisure Services, Therapeutic Recreation).

(k) Education.

(l) Psychology or

(m) Another human service degree not reflected in the list to be evaluated by ADMH staff.

(30) Impact: The net effect observed within an outcome domain. This may also be referred to as the long-term effect.

(31) Indicated: The Continuum of Care classification for prevention interventions focused on high-risk individuals who are identified as having minimal but detectable signs or symptoms that foreshadow behavioral health disorders, prior to the diagnosis of a disorder. The system was developed by the Institute of Medicine.

(32) Individual/peer domain: One of the spheres of influence identified by Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) that focuses on an individual's beliefs, attitudes and actions and potential effects on substance use. Risk factors within the individual domain for substance abuse include:

(a) Lack of knowledge about the negative consequences associated with using illegal substances.

(b) Attitudes favorable toward use.

(c) Early onset of use.

(d) Biological or psychological predispositions.

(e) Antisocial behavior.

(f) Sensation seeking.

(g) Lack of adult supervision.

(33) Information dissemination: One (1) of six (6) prevention strategies identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) that can be used as part of a comprehensive prevention program. This strategy provides information about drug use, abuse and addiction and the effects on individuals, families and communities. It also provides information on available prevention programs and services. Examples for this strategy include:

(a) Clearinghouses and other information resource centers.

(b) Media campaigns.

(c) Brochures and letters.

(d) Speaking engagements.

(e) Health Fairs.

(34) Institute of Medicine Model (lOM) of "The Continuum of Care": is a classification system that presents the scope of behavioral health services that includes promotion of health, prevention of disease, treatment, and maintenance/recovery. Promotion and prevention are part of this system and includes three_commonly used classifications: Universal, Selective, and Indicated.

(35) Intervention: The phase along the continuum of care between prevention and treatment. Intervention is concerned with those (usually youths) who have only recently begun to experiment with substances. The policies, programs and practices used for intervention experimentation progresses to the stage at which treatment is needed.

(36) Media advocacy: The use of television, radio, print or other mediums to influence community norms and policies. Traditionally, the role of media in prevention has been to increase general awareness about substance abuse and related problems in an attempt to change individual behavior regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.

(37) Media campaign: The use of television, radio, educational materials, websites and other publications to reach parents and youth. This is a multi-dimensional approach to educate and empower youth to reject substance use.

(38) Media literacy: The training and education of people to be able to critically analyze alcohol and tobacco messages seen via television, websites, movies, print and other entertainment mediums in order to gain an understanding of how companies may market alcohol and tobacco products.

(39) National Outcome Measures (NOMS) - The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has collaborated with states in an effort to measure the outcomes for clients in all Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded programs with the goal of using information to improve services for communities.

(40) Needs assessment: A tool used to understand the nature and extent of a health or social problem in a community with the intent to respond appropriately to programmatic, policy and budgetary decisions. Needs assessments are research-based to permit planning, programming and resource expenditure guided by data rather than subjective judgments or political considerations.

(41) Objectives: To identify what is to be accomplished during a specific period to move toward achievement of a goal.

(42) Outcome: A short-term or long-term measure of changes in substance use and its consequences related to the implementation of a prevention program.

(43) Prevention: A proactive process that empowers individuals and systems to meet the challenges of life events and transitions by creating and reinforcing conditions that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. The goal of substance abuse prevention is to foster a climate where:

(a) Alcohol use is acceptable only for those of legal age and when the risk of adverse consequences is minimal.

(b) Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are used for the medical purposes for which they were intended.

(c) Other substances that may be abused (e.g. aerosols, paint thinners, glue) are used for their intended purposes.

(d) Illegal drugs and tobacco are not used at all.

(44) Problem identification and referral strategy: One (1) of six (6) prevention strategies identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) that can be used as part of a comprehensive prevention program. This strategy aims to identify those who have indulged in the use of illicit drugs or underage use of tobacco and alcohol in order to determine whether their behavior can be reversed through education. This strategy does not include any activity designed to determine whether an individual is in need of treatment. An example of an activity for this strategy is the development of a student assistance program.

(45) Program evaluation: The systematic collection and analysis of data needed to make informed decisions about a specific program or intervention.

(46) Protective factors: Factors that may prevent substance use, particularly among youth in vulnerable environments. Examples include norms against drug use and social skills to resist drug use.

(47) Resource development: The enhancement of existing resources and the creation of new resources to facilitate community coalitions, educate the community about public health initiatives and collect, analyze and organize public health data.

(48) Selective: The Continuum of Care classification for prevention interventions focused on individuals or subgroups of the population whose risk of developing behavioral health disorders is significantly higher than average.

(49) SPF (Strategic Prevention Framework): A five-step process of planning to create a framework that promotes assets building to achieve goals. The framework steps include assessment, capacity, planning, implementation and evaluation. The framework was developed by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

(50) Stakeholders: All members of the community who have a stake in the activities or outcomes of a substance abuse intervention. Typical stakeholders include consumers of prevention services, community partners, staff, board members, volunteers, sister agencies and funding sources.

(51) Subcontractor: Anyone who performs a service for pay under the auspices of the direct contractor with the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The provider can subcontract up to 10% of the budget amount without prior approval. The Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services must approve amounts greater than 10%.

(52) Substance abuse: The use or abuse of illegal drugs. The abuse of inhalant. The use of alcohol, tobacco or other related products as prohibited by State or local law.

(53) Substance use: The general consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

(54) Supervised practical experience: The direct observation of a staff member completing work duties that includes providing feedback to increase their knowledge and assist with their development. Experience gained while working towards the completion of personnel requirements. Experience is gained under the supervision of someone that has a masters in a human service related field and two (2) years work experience in substance abuse treatment or prevention or that is a Certified Prevention Specialist or a Certified Prevention Manager by an independent certification board offering a credential approved by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

(55) Target population: A group of people, usually those at high risk, who may have specific programs, practices and policies targeted to reach them in order to prevent substance use.

(56) Treatment: An organized array of services and interventions with a primary focus on curing or treating specific disorders or conditions, providing both acute stabilization and ongoing therapy.

(57) Universal: The Continuum of Care classification for prevention interventions focused on the general public or a population subgroup that have not been identified on the basis of risk.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-9-47-.01

New Rule: Filed January 27, 2000; effective March 2, 2000. New Rule: Filed June 19, 2012; effective July 24, 2012. Repealed: Filed June 25, 2012; effective July 30, 2012. Amended: Filed August 22, 2013; effective September 26, 2013.

Author: Division of Substance Abuse Services

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-50-11.