|
The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) invites qualified substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services providers (Tribal, 245G- and 245F-licensed) to participate in independent peer reviews occurring between October 2025 and June 2026.
This annual process is required for federal block grant funding per 45 CFR 96.136 and helps strengthen SUD services across the state.
Purpose of Peer Review
Peer review focuses on:
- Quality: Services meet accepted standards and improve client safety and recovery
- Appropriateness: Services align with each client’s clinical needs
- Efficacy: Services effectively support recovery outcomes
How It Works
- DHS staff will coordinate logistics, scheduling and communication
- Independent peer reviewers: Experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds will conduct the review, including:
- Program-level discussions
- Sample client record review (in compliance with 42 CFR part 2)
- Evaluation of admissions, assessments, treatment planning, documentation, discharge planning and treatment outcomes
Key Points About the Review
- Voluntary and NOT a licensing review
- Led by experienced professionals in substance use disorder treatment
- Focused on quality, best practices and effectiveness
- Facilitated by DHS
- Three reviewers (two minimum, four maximum) with clinical expertise will assess your program
What You Will Provide
- Nine closed client files (discharged 6 – 12 months prior to review)
- If files are electronic, supply three monitors/laptops and staff support
- Brief orientation for reviewers on file access and content
- Your policies and procedures manual and relevant program materials
Selection Criteria
Expressing interest does not guarantee selection. Preference will be given to SUD providers that have not participated in the peer review process and providers that have not had a peer review within the previous five years. A representative sample of providers will be chosen to ensure diversity and compliance with federal guidance. Selections will be:
- 45% residential programs
- 55% non-residential programs
- At least one opioid treatment program
- At least one female-specific, male-specific and mixed-gender residential program
- Two to three programs serving adolescents (including at least one exclusively)
- 50% located in rural areas across northern, central and southern Minnesota
Next Steps
Once selected, DHS staff will work with providers to schedule a three-hour on-site review session.
To express interest or ask questions please contact sud.peer.review.dhs@state.mn.us.
|
