Guidance on Mental Health Assessment for Young Children in clinical records

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 09/28/2022 10:00 AM PDT

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Guidance on Mental Health Assessment for Young Children in clinical records

Maintaining accurate clinical records is an important component of high-quality mental health services, including mental health assessments. Apple Health guidance for mental health professionals is to utilize the DC:0-5™ when completing a mental health assessment for children younger than six.

New guidance from Department of Health (DOH)

Following a policy statement effective September 1, 2022 (CHS-07-20-22), the Department of Health is allowing providers working in licensed behavioral health agencies to use either the DSM-5 or the DC:0-5, when completing a diagnostic assessment statement, as required in WAC 246-341-0640(c)(iv).

Expression of Interest for IECMH clinical records work group

The Health Care Authority, in partnership with the Department of Health, is planning to convene an Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) clinical records work group in 2023. This group will develop a tool that translates current guidance on diagnostic assessment statements in WAC 246-341-0640(c) into developmentally appropriate equivalent criteria.

Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) providers with a deep knowledge of current WAC 246-341-0640(c) requirements, developmentally appropriate intake assessments, and best practices in IECMH services are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) for participation in the work group by November 1, 2022.

Questions

If you have any questions about this bulletin or would like assistance in completing the EOI, please contact Kiki Fabian or Christine Cole.

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About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.