42 U.S.C. § 290aa–2a — Report on individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders

(a) Not later than 2 years after October 17, 2000, the Secretary must write a report on prevention and treatment for people who have both a mental illness and a substance abuse disorder. Before writing it, the Secretary must talk with groups that represent states, mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, prevention specialists, people getting treatment, and their family members. The Secretary must send the finished report to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Commerce. (b) The report must be based on data from existing federal and state surveys about treating co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders. It must include: (1) A summary of how people with co-occurring disorders are getting treatment. This includes the newest numbers on how many children and adults have both disorders, and how money under sections 300x and 300x–21 is being used, including how many children and adults that money serves. (2) A summary of the improvements needed so people with co-occurring disorders get the services they need. (3) A summary of ways to prevent substance abuse in people who have a mental illness and are at risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. (4) A summary of treatment practices backed by evidence, plus recommendations for putting those practices into use. (c) The Secretary may spend available appropriated funds to pay for this report.