Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-3-23-.08

Application Process

This section establishes the application process for providers seeking certification from the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (DMH/MR). Providers must submit a completed application at least 60 days before planned service implementation and must receive Temporary Operating Authority from the Commissioner before beginning operations. Special requirements apply to Methadone Clinic applicants (Certificate of Need) and MI Adult Foster Care applicants (CMHC review). DMH/MR may accept existing certifications or accreditations from other recognized bodies in lieu of a full review, but retains the right to conduct its own site visits and apply its own standards.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-3-23-.08 - Application Process 

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(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
.

Notes

Ala. Admin. Code
 r. 
580-3-23-.08

New Rule: Filed October 1,
 2001; effective November 5, 2001. Amended: Filed January 19, 2005; effective
 February 23, 2005.

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