WYDOT-Related Substance Use Evaluations and Documentation: What Clients Should Know

Probationary-license application and follow-through

WYDOT reviews your driving record to determine whether you are eligible for a probationary license. Eligible applicants receive a packet of forms. An alcohol-related probationary license requires an alcohol assessment and compliance with the applicable education or treatment requirements.

The Alcohol Evaluation and Proof of Compliance for Probationary License in your packet documents the evaluation, recommendations and your agreement to follow them. The provider or providers involved complete the applicable provider sections. Damon completes documentation for services OpenGate provides.

OpenGate may return its completed form to you or send it directly to WYDOT with appropriate authorization. You complete your portions of the packet and remain responsible for ensuring WYDOT receives all required materials by the applicable deadlines.

An agreement to follow recommendations is not proof of enrollment or completion. Depending on the requirements in your case, WYDOT may require proof of enrollment, satisfactory treatment progress or successful completion. Documentation can therefore be required while services are still underway.

WYDOT requirements can apply even when the court does not require an education course. Follow the instructions in your WYDOT packet and contact Driver Services about licensing questions.

What OpenGate Can Provide

Depending on the requested service and the circumstances, OpenGate can provide:

• a substance use evaluation report;
• enrollment or attendance information;
• progress information when applicable;
• education or counseling documentation;
• completion information; and
• authorized clinical coordination.

The appropriate service or documentation depends on what has actually been requested. Not every WYDOT-related matter requires a new substance use evaluation.

For service details, see WYDOT Documentation and Coordination.

If a Substance Use Evaluation Is Requested

OpenGate's formal evaluation service is the Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation. The comprehensive evaluation includes:

• administration of the full Addiction Severity Index (ASI);
• a comprehensive biopsychosocial and spiritual assessment;
• application of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition;
• review of applicable DSM diagnostic criteria;
• review of relevant records and authorized collateral information;
• an individualized clinical recommendation; and
• additional standardized evidence-based instruments when clinically indicated.

The full ASI is one component of OpenGate's Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation. It is not offered by OpenGate as a separate evaluation service. OpenGate does not state that WYDOT or Wyoming universally requires the ASI.

Current Wyoming Department of Health provider-certification standards for adult substance use disorder assessments require an evidence-based assessment tool that includes comprehensive information regarding biopsychosocial and spiritual needs and use of ASAM criteria. Those standards do not identify the ASI as a universal assessment requirement.

Documentation Depends on the Actual Request

A WYDOT-related matter may involve an evaluation, documentation of services already underway, completion information, or another form of clinical documentation. The requested document can differ from case to case.

That is why OpenGate asks clients to provide the applicable WYDOT notice, letter, form, or request before assuming what service or documentation is needed.

For reports, releases, and communication with authorized recipients, see Records and Authorized Coordination.

OpenGate and WYDOT Have Different Roles

OpenGate is independent of WYDOT. OpenGate's Wyoming Department of Health certification is current and active. OpenGate provides services, clinical recommendations, and documentation; WYDOT determines driver-license requirements and decisions.

Noncompletion and required reporting

Following through with required education or treatment is part of maintaining compliance. WYDOT's probationary-license rules require denial or cancellation after an adverse counselor report.

OpenGate follows the reporting requirements that apply to your services. Wyoming impaired-driving education rules include provider reporting when a client does not complete the curriculum or fails to follow the applicable court order. Damon explains the relevant reporting and confidentiality requirements as part of your services.

Provider reports and a client's application paperwork serve different purposes. Submitting the provider form does not replace completing the required services or satisfying the rest of WYDOT's requirements.

Privacy and Authorized Coordination

When appropriately authorized or otherwise permitted or required by law, OpenGate may provide relevant information to an authorized recipient. Additional federal restrictions may apply to records received from a program subject to 42 CFR Part 2. When clinically appropriate and authorized, OpenGate can provide relevant documentation or coordinate with WYDOT or another authorized recipient.

Appointments

OpenGate services are available by secure video telehealth (online) and in person at the Casper office, by appointment only. No walk-ins.

Related OpenGate Information

• WYDOT Documentation and Coordination: Details about OpenGate's clinical documentation services for Wyoming driver-license matters.
• Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation: Information about OpenGate's comprehensive substance use evaluation process.
• Records and Authorized Coordination: Information about reports, records, releases, and communication with authorized recipients.