Certification of Community Behavioral Health Agencies

Community behavioral health agencies require certification by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) when they provide mental health services that are funded by a community mental health board or when they are subject to Department licensure of a residential facility according to section 5119.22 of the Revised Code. Community behavioral health agencies may also voluntarily request certification. Agencies are certified every three years.

Accreditation and Deemed Status

Some agencies seeking certification by OhioMHAS are required to attain appropriate behavioral health accreditation prior to submitting an application for certification.

Community Forensic Psychiatry Centers

Complete the Application for Certification without Deemed Status Application if you are a free-standing forensic center and not part of a larger agency. If you have questions about the application process, contact your surveyor in the Office of Licensure and Certification.

Client Rights and Grievance Procedures

An agency applying for certification as a community mental health agency must develop a written Client Rights Policy and Grievance Procedure in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Sections 5122-26-18 (large file) and 5122:2-1-02. A copy of the policy must be provided in writing and explained orally at intake or the next appointment. The rights must also be posted in locations that are visible to consumers in each building operated by the agency. Complete the following forms when applying for initial certification, or when renewing your policies and procedures.

Client Rights - Community Mental Health Agency & Board Client Rights and Grievance Procedure Presented February 21, 2012, by Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, Standards Development and Administrative Rules, and Kathryn Remer, Consumer Advocacy & Protection Specialist

CMHA Webinars

Seclusion and Restraint: Ohio Administrative Code for Community Mental Health Agencies & Type 1 Residential Facilities
Presented December 19, 2011, by Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, Standards Development and Administrative Rules

Community Mental Health Agency Deemed Status & Certification Rules Changes
Presented December 2, 2011, by Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, Standards Development and Administrative Rules

Ohio Administrative Code Changes Webinar
On June 23, 2011, Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, OhioMHAS Standards Development and Administrative Rules, conducted a webinar to review revisions to Ohio Administrative Code Chapters 5122-26 and 5122-28 for Certified Community Mental Health Agencies that became effective July 1, 2011.

Progress Note Examples/Documentation

The information in this section is from 2010 regional trainings conducted by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services on the topic of Ohio Administrative Code rule 5122-27-06 Progress Notes, and Documentation and Medical Necessity. The training includes presentations by Daniel Arnold, Program Administrator, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services; Janel M. Pequignot, Chief of Standards Development & Administrative Rules; Terry R. Jones, Manager of Medicaid Program Compliance; and representatives from Certified Community Mental Health Agencies.

Report a Complaint

If you wish to submit a complaint concerning a licensed or certified Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services provider, please complete all applicable fields on the form below and submit. We will respond to all complaints. Thank you.

Incident Notification Form

Notice: All agencies / facilities who fax their reportable incidents to OhioMHAS should use fax number (614) 485-9737.

Incident Notification & Risk Management Rule Change Webinars
On October 13, 2011 Denise Cole, OhioMHAS Private Psychiatric Services Coordinator and Rob Nugen, OhioMHAS Community Client Safety Manager conducted three webinars to address and explain the upcoming changes to the Incident Reporting rules for private psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities and community agencies. Part 1 is a combined presentation conducted by Ms. Cole and Mr. Nugen addressing definitions and rule changes that are common in all three treatment settings. Part 2 is sub-divided into two breakout sessions: Breakout A: addressed the changes specific to Private Psychiatric Hospitals and Breakout B: addressing changes specific to Community Agencies and Residential facilities. These changes are now in effect.

Incident Reporting Requirements Webinar
On July 15, 2011, Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, OhioMHAS Standards Development and Administrative Rules, conducted a webinar to explain the reduced reporting requirements and other revisions to the Incident Reporting Requirements for both Community Mental Health Agencies and Residential Facilities. These revisions are in effect.

Seclusion and Restraint Report