MD/DO requirements for Mental Health

The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is excited to see a growing number of new behavioral health providers offering services to vulnerable Alaskans across the state. In support of this rapid expansion DBH will periodically issue a “friendly reminder” eMemo highlighting those little behavioral health provider requirements that often get missed.

As a friendly reminder, any Community Behavioral Health Agencies who have departmental approval to provide state clinic services and any 1115 BH that require a master's level involvement AND bill Medicaid, must have on contract an MD or DO. A midlevel prescriber may assist with day-to-day operations, but a midlevel provider CANNOT provide and fulfill the regulation requirement of an MD or DO oversight. For your reference the regulation citation for this requirement is 7 AAC 135.010 ((8) the service, if it is a behavioral health clinic service, is provided under the general direction of a physician;).

If you have any questions please contact mpassunit@alaska.gov

*Providers, please forward this message to staff you would link Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Email or Text Update you would like to self-register for DBH Communications messages.