This regulation defines Medication/Somatic Treatment as a mental health rehabilitative service (MHRS) covering physical examinations, prescription and administration of mental-health-related medications, laboratory monitoring, and related medical interventions delivered individually or in groups. Providers must offer psychoeducational programs for consumers and families regarding mental illness, treatment goals, and medication self-management. Services may be delivered at the provider's site, via telemedicine, in natural/community settings, or in residential facilities of 16 beds or fewer, and must be provided by psychiatrists or APRNs (with PAs, RNs, and LPNs assisting under supervision). There are no annual service limits, and the service may not be billed on the same day as ACT or IDT.
View official source3419 MEDICATION/SOMATIC TREATMENT 3419.1 Medication/Somatic Treatment services are medical services and interventions, including physical examinations; prescription, supervision, or administration of mental-health related medications; monitoring and interpreting results of laboratory diagnostic procedures related to mental health-related medications; and medical interventions needed for effective mental health treatment provided as either an individual or group intervention. 3419.2 Medication/Somatic Treatment services include monitoring the side effects and interactions of a consumer’s medications and the adverse reactions which a consumer may experience and providing restorative information and direction for symptom and medication self-management. 3419.3 Group Medication/Somatic Treatment services shall be therapeutic, educational, and interactive with a strong emphasis on group member selection. These services shall facilitate therapeutic peer interaction and support as specified in the Plan of Care. 3419.4 Each Medication/Somatic Treatment provider shall offer: A comprehensive psycho-educational program for consumers and families, as appropriate, regarding the consumer’s mental illness, emotional disturbance, or behavior disorder; treatment and recovery goals; potential benefits and risk of treatment; and self-monitoring aids; and Consumer/family groups for restorative information, support, and enhancement of the therapeutic alliance between the consumer and the MHRS provider. 3419.5 Consumers receiving Medication/Somatic Treatment shall participate in a psychoeducational session to discuss medication side effects, adverse reactions to medications, and medication self-monitoring and management. 3419.6 Medication/Somatic Treatment shall be provided with no annual limits on services. 3419.7 Medication/Somatic Treatment shall not be billed on the same day as: ACT; or IDT. 3419.8 Medication/Somatic Treatment shall be provided: At the MHRS provider’s service site; By telemedicine pursuant to 29 DCMR § 910; In natural settings, including the consumer’s home or community setting; or A residential facility of sixteen (16) beds or less unless otherwise stated by the Department. 3419.9 The following are qualified practitioners of Medication/Somatic Treatment: Psychiatrists; and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). 3419.10 The following may deliver evaluation and management service under the direction of a Qualified Practitioner pursuant to § 3419.9: Physician Assistants (PAs). Registered Nurses (RNs); or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 48 DCR 10297 (November 9, 2001); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 9308 (October 1, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 5682 (June 17, 2005); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 10674 (September 4, 2020); as amended by Final Rulemaking 68 DCR 012400 (November 26, 2021); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 70 DCR 003050 (March 10, 2023); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 71 DCR 004474 (April 19, 2024); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 72 DCR 008497 (August 1, 2025). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Mental Health 22-A DCMR § 3419