Page 3

Subject: Families First Drug Testing

Policy 23.06 Date of Last Review: 02/23/2024 Effective Date: 03/01/2024 Date of Next Review: 02/23/2027 RDA: SW22 Page 3 of 7 Substance Abuse Evaluation 1. The customer must complete a substance abuse evaluation at a facility licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) within ten (10) calendar days of the referral. • If the customer is unable to complete the evaluation due to scheduling, proof of a scheduled evaluation must be presented within the ten (10) calendar day period. 2. The evaluation results will be returned to TDHS using HS-3078 Substance Abuse Evaluation & Drug Treatment Referral. a. If the evaluation determines treatment is not necessary, no further action is needed. b. If the evaluation determines that treatment is needed, TDHS, in conjunction with the facility performing the substance abuse evaluation, will refer the customer to a substance abuse treatment program licensed by TDMHSAS. i. If the evaluating agency offers the treatment needed, no additional referral is needed. ii. If the evaluating agency does not offer the appropriate treatment, an additional referral must be made using HS-3078 Substance Abuse Evaluation & Drug Treatment Referral Substance Abuse Treatment 1. The customer must provide verification of placement on a waiting list or enrollment in a substance abuse treatment program licensed by TDMHSAS within ten (10) business days. • If the customer refused to enroll, participate in, and/or complete treatment, or fails to provide verification, the customer must be removed from the AU for six (6) months from the date of non-compliance. i. The dependent child(ren) will continue to be eligible for Families First. ii. A protective payee will be assigned to receive the Families First benefit on behalf of the dependent children less than sixteen (16) years of age. 2. The customer will be eligible for Families First while on a waiting list and/or for the first six (6) months of the substance abuse treatment period. The treatment period begins with the first treatment session. 3. The customer must provide documentation of ongoing participation in a substance abuse treatment program weekly. a. The treatment facility may provide this documentation on the customer’s behalf either by phone or in writing. b. If the treatment occurs at an interval other than weekly, documentation must be provided based on the customer’s treatment plan. 4. If the customer is determined not to need treatment at any time during the process, the customer has satisfied the requirements of the drug testing policy and will be eligible for Families First, if otherwise eligible.