In addition, no Federal standards exist for treatment effectiveness. Instead, Federal regulations are process oriented in that they establish administrative requirements for programs. In addition, recent federally-sponsored research has found that interim maintenance with methadone prior to entry into a comprehensive program that includes counseling and rehabilitative services will not significantly reduce intravenous heroin use and the associated risk of AIDS. In addition, the analysis showed that at 10 of the 24 clinics more than 20 percent of the patients continued to use heroin after 6 months of treatment and at 2 programs almost half of the patients continued to use heroin. Many of the patients also used other drugs, especially cocaine. Results indicated the need for Federal performance standards that focus on treatment results, guidance regarding data collection, and increased program oversight. The regulations permitting the use of interim maintenance should be withdrawn until documentation exists regarding unavailability of space in methadone maintenance treatment programs. Tables and list of organizations contributing to the report are included.