NICE quality standards are clear, concise statements and measures that act as markers of high-quality, clinical and cost-effective patient care. They are developed from the best available evidence, usually NICE guidance or NHS Evidence-accredited sources. Quality standards apply nationally across England, and aim to define high-quality care for patients, carers and the public, health and social care professionals, commissioners and service providers.

The new quality standard on alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use adds to the bank of ten NICE standards already published.