CONSIDERING that New Yorkers with concurrent mental and substance abuse disorders will benefit from more integrated treatment; While providers often receive a range of health information from consumers, family members and others, consumer consent must be obtained before this information is shared. In situations where the CCBHC cannot obtain consent after reasonable attempts, these must be documented and regularly reviewed. OMH and OASAS agree that the diagnosis and treatment of concurrent mental health or chemical dependence disorders will be performed by employees qualified to do so, in accordance with the standards of the mental health department responsible for the program. OMH and OASAS also agree that they will consult as appropriate to ensure that these standards are functionally consistent. OMH and OASAS undertake to collect and exchange data relating to the provision of integrated processing services under this Agreement in a manner agreed by both agencies. Nothing in this Agreement prevents a person from receiving services from more than one mental health or chemical addiction service provider, provided, however, that providers of concurrent disorders remain responsible for effective treatment planning in accordance with applicable regulations. The Community Mental Health Contracts section of the HHSC website provides the download of benefit contracts and other materials that support a network of community mental health centers throughout the state of Texas. CONSIDERING that, in many cases, a concurrent disorder may be treated at an OMH or OASAS certified site, provided that the person is otherwise able to participate in the treatment at such a site; and the identification of a diagnosis or functional characteristics of concomitant chemical dependence or mental disorder is performed using screening tools and assessment tools approved by the OMH and OASAS. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) must enter into agreements with certain facilities in the CCBHC service area where expectations for coordination of care are defined. Where such facilities include, but are not limited to, inpatient psychiatric facilities, ambulatory and medical detoxification facilities, post-detox clean-up services, residential programs, acute inpatient hospitals, emergency rooms, outpatient inpatient clinics, emergency centres or inpatient crisis facilities, the Agreement provides that: For the purposes of this Agreement, integrated treatment services means services defined by the OMH and OASAS for persons with: concurrent mental health and addiction disorders supported by evidence-based practices. Where necessary, agreements should also include any other expectations necessary to meet other requirements related to the transition to care.

A cornerstone of effective care coordination is the timely exchange of patient information, which allows multiple providers to access information services and document the progress of the care plan. This includes demographic and care information contained in the HCCBC electronic health record, as well as medical and service records of other providers involved in coordinated care. HCCBs should have a plan that addresses how best to improve coordination of care with all designated collaborative organizations (DCOs) using health information technology (HIT). CONSIDERING that in a given year, 5.6 million adults in the country suffer from a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder (National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 2006); and protocols and procedures must be in place to move individuals from emergency rooms, inpatient psychiatric facilities, detoxification facilities and residential facilities to a safe community environment. The CCBHC should establish protocols and procedures, including the transmission of medical records of services received; active follow-up after leave; if applicable, a suicide prevention and safety plan; and a provision for peer services. Procedures should include a shortened period of time between subsequent assessment and treatment. CONSIDERING that, in accordance with Article 7.07 of the Mental Hygiene Act, the OMH is responsible for the development of comprehensive plans, programmes and services in the areas of research, prevention and care, treatment, rehabilitation, education and training of persons with mental illness and cooperates with other offices of the Department of Mental Hygiene in the preparation of such plans, programs and services; and Community Mental Health Centres are locally managed components of HHSC`s service delivery system. In 254 counties, HHSC delegates responsibilities from a mental or behavioral health agency to a community mental health center that ensures the provision and continuity of services to people with mental illness. OMH and OASAS agree that the New York State Mental Health Act and the Regulations Under Chapter XIII of 14 NYCRR do not prohibit an OMH certified provider from admitting a person who also has a concurrent substance use disorder, provided, however, that the person must meet the eligibility criteria for the mental health program and be able to participate in the program. OMH and OASAS further agree that if a mental health care provider admits a person in these circumstances, the provider will not provide services that require an OASAS Operating Certificate.

In this context, OMH and OASAS agree that the person`s concurrent substance use disorder will be treated as part of the provision of psychiatric services. OMH and OASAS agree to collaborate and collaborate to facilitate the delivery of an integrated treatment model in which traditional chemical addiction and mental health programs seek to manage the multiple symptoms of their present patients by integrating mental health or addictions screening, assessment and counselling techniques into their own range of services. However, the primary clinical objective of the program remains the primary diagnosis required for enrollment in the program. This way, any type of program (chemical addiction or mental health) can work within their current certification structure and is not required to apply for a license from the other state government agency (OASAS or OMH). CONSIDERING that, in accordance with section 31.02 of the Mental Health Act, no service provider may provide ambulatory services to persons with mental illness without having received an operating certificate from the OMH; and OMH and OASAS each commit to continue to work together during the term of this Agreement to identify and remove the limitations and barriers faced by individuals with concurrent mental and chemical dependence disorders and their families when seeking care in the OMH and OASAS service systems in New York State. .