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

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 580-3-23-.08 - Application Process

(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.

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.