Consensus Paper Series 

The Consortium is leading a process—The Consensus Paper Series—which will establish a systematic process to identify issues, research the topics, develop statements, and obtain concurrence on policy-related issues experienced by a variety of professionals who provide substance abuse treatment and prevention services in the State of Iowa.  The result will be a consensus statement on protocol or processes for handling issues that are developed by experts in the field and on the topical issue.  The long-term outcome of the papers will be standard protocol to efficiently implement policy or processes that can improve service delivery in the state.   

Many substance abuse-related policy and protocol issues at the local and state level are recognized by a variety of individuals who face them every day in their professional lives.  Often, these issues cut across multiple state and local agencies that have responsibilities for serving the same target group(s). 

The consensus process involves four components:  1) a Guidance committee; 2) Subject matter expert panels; 3) Research and writing coordination team; and 4) a Targeted dissemination strategy.  The Guidance Committee is made up of experts in substance abuse policy, treatment, and prevention from a variety of backgrounds.  The committee, which had a kick off meeting January 31^st, is charged with identifying and prioritizing topic areas that are issues facing the state.  The Guidance committee also will recommend subject matter experts to serve on panels to review specific issues.  The committee members are: 

 The first topic chosen is “Access to Health Care for Clients in Substance Abuse Treatment.”  The paper should be released Summer 2005.  To view a list of topics submitted click here. 

Questions related to the Consensus Paper Series should be directed to Pat McGovern at patrick-mcgovern@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-4131