Section 1115 Waiver Update e-Memo - Provisional Provider Application - UPDATE

Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 07/19/2019 03:28 PM AKDT

Dear Provider,

 

We are sorry for the inconvenience but if you have already completed the application that you were provided on July 16, 2016, we request you complete the attached document and submit to the address, fax or email below.  This application contains some updated language clarification and an attestation of having applied for a background check and is required to complete the processing of your application.  

 

MPASS Unit

Mailing address: 3601 C Street, Suite 878, Anchorage, AK 99503

Fax 907-269-3623 or mpassunit@alaska.gov

 

Below is the information that was provided on July 16, 2019:

 

DBH will begin accepting applications for Qualified Behavioral Health Professional QAP’s effective July 12, 2019.  As many of you know, Alaska has significant challenges with recruitment and retention of a qualified behavioral health and SUD workforce. We seek to set standards of qualifications, education, training, experience, and professional competence for persons who engage in the practice of addiction treatment services.  As part of the implementation process, Alaska DHSS will require that all providers of behavioral health and SUD services meet specific requirements for participating in the Medicaid waiver program. With that in mind, it is important that all individuals who provide these services understand addiction treatment and prevention.

 

 

Referencing the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification definition of a Chemical Dependence Counselor (CDC) II, the state believes this is the minimum qualification that should be required for an individual to be a Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) eligible to provide SUD services. CDC IIs are able to conceptualize and incorporate addiction services across a broad range of disciplines and demonstrate an acceptable level of skill.  The provisional designation period will allow individuals time to achieve this qualification.

 

Peer Support Specialists who meet specific basic requirements will be able to obtain provisional certification. Peer Support Specialists will be required to apply for full certification following the end of their provisional certification after the new peer certification process is in place.  In order for the peer support specialist to provide Medicaid billable peer support services s/he must be supervised by a Qualified Mental Health Clinician (7AAC 135.210).

 

DBH understands that not all current providers will immediately meet the requirements for a qualified addiction professional under the waiver, so a three-year provisional certification is available to individuals working to become a Qualified Addiction Professional.

 

We ask that agencies take the time to review the application and submit questions to the MPASS Unit. mpassunit@alaska.gov

 

Farina Brown

Deputy Director

Division of Behavioral Health