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On February 16, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) introduced a revised Standard Authorization Form (SAF) designed to improve care coordination by simplifying the sharing of protected health information—including data covered under 42 CFR Part 2—across multiple providers.
Key Highlights:
- The updated SAF is HIPAA-compliant and meets 42 CFR Part 2 consent requirements.
- It applies to all covered entities in Ohio. While use of the form is not mandatory, any properly executed SAF must be accepted by the receiving entity.
- The SAF should not be confused with other ODM forms used for authorizing services.
- Access the revised form and authorizing rule here.
Why the Update? ODM first implemented the SAF in 2019 to comply with ORC 3798.10, following recommendations from the Attorney General’s Task Force on Criminal Justice and Mental Illness. The original two-part form addressed HIPAA and substance use disorder (SUD) information separately. Recent changes to 42 CFR Part 2 allowed ODM to streamline the SAF into a single-page document, making it easier for providers and patients to navigate.
How Providers Can Use It:
- While optional, the SAF offers a trusted, compliant solution for information sharing and must be accepted by any receiving entity.
- Providers may adopt the SAF for routine use or when encountering entities that reject their own release forms.
- If questions arise about the SAF’s validity, share ODM’s guidance to resolve concerns.
For more details and to download the form, click here.
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The Ohio Department of Medicaid would like to announce we now have a Provider facing website for Care Coordination programming offered to individuals who are enrolled into a Medicaid Managed Care Plan. As a provider, you will see resources for your patients and resources for you, such as points of contact information for each of the Managed Care Plans, in the event you need immediate support. Links to Medicaid Programs, Sister State Agencies and the Managed Care Plans are all together in one place for easier access.
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The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), in partnership with Maximus, the Provider Network Management (PNM) module vendor, is excited to share that we are continuing our provider awareness and training efforts. Provider Refresher Training is scheduled for February 17 - 27. The training schedule is available on the PNM and Centralized Credentialing page.
Registration steps for enrolling through the learning management system
Access the Absorb learning management system to register for the training. If you do not have an Absorb account, you must create one to access all training sessions, answer forms, and view various PNM module resources. For help, please see our job aid and follow the steps to create your account and/or register for training.
Training topics
- Provider Administrator and NEW Power Agent Role
- Provider Agent Role
- Updating/Changing Medicaid Enrollment Information
- Prior Authorizations
- Entering and Searching for Professional Claims
Note: Additional session details are available within the Absorb course listing.
For more information
To learn more about the PNM module and Centralized Credentialing, visit the PNM and Centralized Credentialing page on the ODM Next Generation website. If you are experiencing technical issues accessing the PNM module or have specific questions, please contact the ODM Integrated Helpdesk at 800-686-1516 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time. You can also email your questions to IHD@medicaid.ohio.gov.
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ODM is revamping the ways we connect with providers and all our members. Follow us for updates on healthcare coverage, wellness tips, and important information for Ohioans. Stay connected and informed about the latest initiatives and resources available.
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