Alabama Administrative Code › Title 580 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH › Chapter 580-3-23 - CERTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS › Section 580-3-23-.08 - Application Process

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 9, June 28, 2024
(1) A
			 completed application for certification is must be sent by the
			 provider/applicant to DMH/MR Facilities Certification Office at least sixty
			 (60) days prior to projected date of service implementation. The application
			 process must be completed and temporary operating authority granted by the
			 Commissioner prior to the implementation of any services by the provider. Any
			 additional documentation must be submitted as required and specified by DMH/MR.
			 For Methadone Clinic applications, an entity must also submit a Certificate of
			 Need as approved by the Alabama State Health Planning and Development
			 Agency.
(2) DMH/MR may accept a
			 certification/license/accreditation issued by other generally accepted
			 recognized state or national organizations in lieu of an additional review
			 through the DMH/MR certification process. However, DMH/MR reserves the right to
			 apply DMH/MR certification standards to areas it determines are not adequately
			 addressed in other state or national standards. Further, the DMH/MR reserves
			 the right to conduct reviews, including onsite visits if appropriate, of
			 programs that are certified/licensed/accredited by other entities where there
			 is evidence of significant deficiencies.
(3) The DMH/MR Facilities Certification
			 Office submits the application to the respective DMH/MR Division(s) for
			 approval according to the type(s) of services proposed by the
			 provider.
(4) Applications for MI
			 Adult Foster Care are forwarded by the Facilities Certification Office to the
			 respective Community Mental Health Center that contracts with the provider. The
			 CMHC reviews the application, makes a recommendation, and forwards it to the
			 DMH/MR Facilities Certification Office. The DMH/MR Facilities Certification
			 Office submits the application to the MI Division.
(5) The applicable DMH/MR Division(s)
			 review/approve the application and returns a copy of the approval to the DMH/MR
			 Facilities Certification Office. An initial Life-Safety and Programmatic review
			 is conducted, if applicable, by designated DMH/MR representatives. Applications
			 remain valid for up to six (6) months after receipt by DMH/MR if the service
			 has not been initiated by the provider or approved by DMH/MR.
(6) For new applicants/providers, the DMH/MR
			 will conduct criminal background checks on the primary operator and/or
			 subcontractor of the program as defined in the Alabama Administrative Code,
			 Section
			 580-3-23-.06(1)(a) and Section
			 580-3-23-.06(1)(b).
(7) Once the provider completes the
			 application process, and based upon its representations of compliance with
			 applicable DMH/MR standards, the program is issued a letter of Temporary
			 Operating Authority by the DMH/MR Commissioner allowing it to operate for a
			 period up to six (6) months pending the outcome of its initial certification
			 site visit.
Author:
DMH/MR Office of Certification
Authority:
Code of Ala.
				1975,
§
									22-50-11.