What Is a 24Q Substance Abuse Assessment in Massachusetts?
If you have been charged with or convicted of an OUI in Massachusetts, you may be told that you need a 24Q substance abuse assessment. A 24Q assessment is a comprehensive alcohol and drug evaluation required in certain impaired-driving cases under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24Q.
Here is what you should know about the requirement and what to expect from the assessment.
When Is a 24Q Assessment Required?
Massachusetts law requires a 24Q alcohol or drug assessment as a condition of sentencing in certain cases.
One common circumstance involves an OUI case in which evidence establishes a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.20% or higher and the person is convicted or assigned to an alcohol or substance use education, treatment, or rehabilitation program.
Section 24Q also applies in certain cases involving a person who has previously been convicted of, or assigned to a program for, a similar impaired-driving offense.
Your attorney, probation officer, or the court can tell you whether a 24Q assessment is required in your particular case.
What Is the Purpose of a 24Q Assessment?
A 24Q assessment is more comprehensive than a brief alcohol or drug screening. Its purpose is to evaluate the individual's substance use and determine whether treatment is clinically appropriate.
Massachusetts describes the assessment as examining evidence supporting the presence or absence of a substance use disorder, as well as factors such as alcohol and drug use, co-occurring mental or physical health concerns, and the impact of substance use on the person's life.
Importantly, being ordered to undergo an assessment does not automatically mean that you have a substance use disorder.
What Happens During a 24Q Evaluation?
A comprehensive substance abuse evaluation generally includes a clinical interview and review of relevant substance use history. Depending on the circumstances, the evaluator may examine:
Alcohol and drug use history
The circumstances surrounding the OUI
Previous substance-related incidents
Prior treatment or education
Standardized substance use assessment measures
Mental health and other relevant clinical factors
Symptoms of a substance use disorder
The clinician then considers the available information and develops appropriate clinical findings and treatment recommendations.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Massachusetts law requires the 24Q assessment to address the individual's level of alcohol or drug addiction and include a recommended course of treatment.
The assessment and treatment recommendation are then reported to the individual's probation or parole officer.
The appropriate recommendation depends upon the individual. An assessment may identify a need for treatment, education, continued recovery support, or other services based on the clinical findings.
Who Can Perform a Massachusetts 24Q Assessment?
Under Chapter 90, Section 24Q, the assessment must be conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or another court-approved program.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) oversees approved impaired-driving programs and describes a 24Q assessment as a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation completed by a licensed clinician through a DPH- or court-approved provider.
Before scheduling an evaluation, confirm that the provider meets the requirements of the court or probation department handling your case.
Is a 24Q Assessment the Same as a Regular OUI Substance Abuse Evaluation?
Not necessarily.
A substance abuse evaluation is a broad type of clinical assessment that may be requested by an attorney, court, probation department, licensing agency, or the Massachusetts RMV.
A 24Q assessment is specifically connected to the requirements of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24Q.
If your paperwork specifically states that you need a “24Q assessment,” make sure the evaluator knows this before your appointment.
Need a Massachusetts Substance Abuse Evaluation?
If you have been asked to complete a substance use evaluation following an OUI or other legal matter, it is important to understand exactly what type of assessment has been requested.
Review your court or probation paperwork carefully and confirm the requirements before scheduling. This can help ensure that the evaluation and resulting documentation are appropriate for your case.