Section 132.70  Definition, Characteristics and Incentives

a)         Certified Comprehensive Community Mental Health Centers are a specialty service provider type embedded in the community with knowledge and expertise in providing services to adults with or at risk of serious mental illnesses (SMI) and/or children and youth with or at risk of serious emotional disturbances (SED.  CMHCs respond to the unique mental health needs of the community with a continuum of services ranging from prevention/promotion through treatment and recovery.  CMHCs collaborate with other social service and health care providers to deliver integrated care to individuals in the identified geographic service area.  CMHCs must be nonprofit or local government entities.

b)         CMHCs shall:

1)         Comply with all requirements of a CSP as articulated in Subpart B, in addition to the requirements set forth in this Subpart C.

2)         Operate within a system of care that provides treatment, habilitation and support services.

3)         Provide a comprehensive strengths-based array of mental health services within an identified geographic service area.

4)         Provide care to individuals with or at risk for SMI/SED by using a person-centered approach to care performed by an interdisciplinary team.

5)         Serve individuals who have complex needs as a result of child welfare, justice or multisystem involvement, medical co-morbidity, homelessness, dual disorders, etc.

6)         Ensure the connectability of services in the service area for individuals across the life span.

7)         Provide services in the client's natural settings.

8)         Provide a safety net for individuals with SMI/SED who are indigent.

9)         Provide outreach and engagement to individuals in need of mental health services.

10)         Provide evidence-based and evidence-informed developmentally appropriate practices in a proficient manner.

11)         Provide for a screening prior to a referral to a more intensive level of care.

12)         Provide education and resources to the public on mental health issues, including suicide prevention and wellness.

13)         Prioritize principles of recovery, system of care, trauma informed care, and culturally relevant practices.

14)         Provide access or linkage to psychiatric services and other health and social services.

c)         CMHCs are the only entities that may pursue certifications of the following programs:

1)         Assertive Community Treatment Programs; and

2)         Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs.

d)         DHS-DMH will recognize certified CMHCs as preferred provider types when awarding State grant funds to support mental health treatment programs and services as State laws permit.

e)         DHS-DMH will recognize certified CMHCs as preferred provider types when pursuing federal or other grants within DMH or when awarding federal pass-through funds as federal and State laws permit.

f)         DHS-DMH will recognize certified CMHCs as preferred provider types when establishing technical assistance and training programs.