Action | 2011 Mental Health Services Program Changes for Appropriate Utilization & Provider Qualifications |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 4/12/2013 |
I would like to bring to your attention the fact that so many individuals who are diagnosed with a severe mental illness will fall through the cracks due to the proposed changes about what constitutes as a history of qualifying mental health treatment. Some individuals we serve may not have been in a psychiatric hospital or residential treatment faciltiy but they are prescribed antipsychotic medication, see a psychiatrist, have been or are currently homeless and need significant training in independent living skills. Please reconsider what qualifies for a history of mental health treatment. Whether or not someone has been hospitalized or treated in a facility does not reflect the fact that they are at imminent risk for such circumstances should they no longer receive intensive services.
In regards to medication being prescribed within the past 12 months, there needs to be a change. First of all, some individuals may have stopped taking their medications (because this is a common occurance with this population) and/or not have access to medical or psychiatric treatment, especially those individuals in rural and remote areas. Please do not include this requirement in the new regulations. It makes it so much harder for an individual to access needed services.