The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) 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 shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Secretary, the SAMHSA Administrator and the CSAT Director concerning matters relating to the activities carried out by and through the Center, and the policies respecting such activities.

The Advisory Council may, on the basis of material provided, make recommendations to the Director of the Center with respect to activities conducted at the Center; shall review applications submitted for grants and cooperative agreements for activities requiring Council approval under 504(c) (2) of the Public Health Service Act and recommend for approval applications for projects that show promise of making valuable contributions to the Center’s mission; and may review any grant proposed to be made or entered into by the organization. 

The Advisory Council may collect, by correspondence or personal investigation, information on studies and services that are being carried on in the United States or any other country 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 Director of the Center, the Council shall make such information available through appropriate publications for the benefit of public and private health entities and health professions personnel, and the general public.  The Advisory Council may appoint subcommittees and convene workshops and conferences.

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