The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council was established under Section 502 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 290aa-1).  It was originally chartered on December 9, 1992 in accordance with P.L. 92-463, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2).

The Council advises, consults with, and makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and the Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), concerning matters relating to the activities carried out by and through the Center and the policies respecting such activities.  The Advisory Council also reviews summary statements for applications submitted for grants and cooperative agreements for activities for which Advisory Council approval is required under section 504(c)(2) of the Public Health Service Act.

The Council may collect information on studies and services related not only to the issues of substance abuse and mental illness, but also to issues linked to diseases, disorders or other aspects of human health with respect to the mission of SAMHSA and its Centers.

With the approval of the Administrator and Center Director, the Council may make information available through appropriate means for the benefit of public and private health entities, health professionals, scientists, and the general public.

Management and support services for the CSAP National Advisory Council are provided by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.