Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use

An updated and revised Center of Excellence application (PDF) will launch on November 1, 2024. Please review the criteria carefully as you prepare your application. If you have any questions, or concerns, please email centersofexcellence@doh.wa.gov

The Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use is a new certification program created by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA).

This certificate recognizes hospitals that practice best standards of care and treatment practices for people with a substance use disorder who give birth, and their infants, and acknowledge the progress of birthing hospitals who follow best practices in perinatal care.

This program and only available for birthing hospitals. Birth centers and community health clinics are not yet eligible.

How to become a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use

Frequently Asked Questions about Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use


What does it mean to be a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use?

Being a Center of Excellence means that the hospital has trained their staff, updated their policies and treatment practices to align with national best practice standards for perinatal substance use.

Over the past 10 years, treatment for substance use during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum has changed and newer models of care offer treatment and care for both the birth parent and their babies. The prenatal and postpartum period presents an opportunity to:

  • Center parents in the care of their babies and children
  • Empower parents with effective treatments including medications for substance use for the parent and non-pharmacologic treatments for the infant.
  • Provide non-judgmental care that includes shared decision making between parents and the healthcare team
  • Deliver evidence-informed services, including linkages to treatment and community resources.

By becoming a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use, you:

Hospitals who apply and successfully meet all the required criteria will receive: