Mental health and substance abuse provider credentialing and monitoring information

Mental health credentialing requirements 

A contract with the King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division (MHCADSD), requires the agency to demonstrate that the agency, and each proposed subcontractor, has the capacity to provide services and/or comply with King County Regional Support Network standards. To provide mental health services, an agency must have a community mental health center license. The process for applying to become a provider in the King County Regional Support Network includes completion of a credentialing application package and approval of the application by MHCADSD. Once approved, being added to the King County Regional Support Network as a provider of services is contingent on whether there is a need for the service(s) being offered by the agency and the capacity of the King County Regional Support Network to add another provider.

Mental health credentialing application package

There are multiple areas identified in the credentialing application for which information must be provided. These include:

• Agency Profile
• Licensing/Certification
• Agency Locations
• Agency License, Agency Staffing Roster, Staff License Information
• Certificate of Insurance and Endorsement
• Agency Closure Dates
• Compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Agency Business Continuity Plan/Pandemic Flu Plan
• Agency Practice Information
• Agency Service Provision
• Licensing Review including Staff Information, Disciplinary Information, Debarment Certification, and Criminal History Background Checks

For a copy of the credentialing application package contact Margaret Smith.

Substance abuse credentialing requirements 

To provide substance abuse services, an agency must have certification from the State of Washington - Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Monitoring information for mental health and substance abuse services contracts

Contract monitoring is conducted by MHCADSD to ensure the highest quality of care and services delivery. An administrative and clinical review are conducted on an annual basis. Components of the administrative review include but are not limited to:

• Standard contract requirements
• Agency policies and procedures
• Personnel files
• Accounting records
• Pursuit of Third Party revenues
• Governing Board bylaws and minutes
• Memoranda of Understanding
• Agency records of their reviews of subcontractors and
• Verification of demographic data and service encounters submitted to the required County or State Information Systems

The clinical review includes a review of charts related to agency contract exhibits. MHCADSD staff provide written reports of site visit findings. Appropriate action is taken based on findings in the clinical review. Where corrective action is indicated, MHCADSD follows up with the agency to ensure steps have been taken to make required changes and/or employ required alternatives.