Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services has finalized updates to Medicaid policy within the state’s mental health framework, revising assessment use, timing and provider eligibility.
The policy now allows reassessments to be conducted based on clinical judgment without a defined “change in condition,” according to a March 27 news release from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. It also clarified that services may be delivered and reimbursed before an assessment is completed and that individuals should be assessed when first presenting for services.
The update states that a new assessment is not required if one is already on file in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System. Preadmission screening and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan processes will remain the same.
The health department also introduced guardrails for standardized assessments. It states that assessments should not be administered during a crisis event and cannot be used to “determine, limit or restrict the amount, scope or duration of services.”
The policy expands provider eligibility to include nonlicensed bachelor’s-level providers who are conducting assessments. It also updates age criteria: the Level of Care Utilization System applies to individuals 18 and older, and MichiCANS applies to patients 18 and younger.
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