Questions and Answers
Who is certified by the DMH?
Private providers and local Mental Health Centers that provide
services to persons with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities
or substance abuse disorders.
How do I become a provider?
If you intend to provide treatment services to persons with mental
illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or substance abuse disorders in
your community, you must be certified by the DMH. In order to be eligible
to submit an application for certification, you must attend a mandatory
orientation program designed to provide essential information about both the
application process and the programmatic requirements that you must fulfill. Our
certification program provides “prospective community providers” the opportunity
to increase their knowledge of the mental health system in Alabama and provides a
source of information beneficial to the certification processes and completion of
the application. This forum is the place for open discussion about steps to become
certified, life safety (physical plant) issues, background checks and nurse delegation
issues. It is conducted by staff of the Alabama Department of Mental Health four times
per year.
What are the requirements for certification as a community provider?
Your agency/entity must comply with the Alabama Administrative Code. The
Code can be accessed via the internet at :
www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us
Click on the light blue drop down box in the upper right hand corner and scroll
down to Chapter 580 which is the DMH chapter in the code.
Where can I find the life safety (physical plant) regulations?
The life safety regulations are in the Alabama Administrative Code
Chapter 580-3-22. As noted above, the Alabama Administrative Code can be
accessed via the internet at:
www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us
How often are life safety inspections conducted?
Residential facilities are inspected every six months and day programs
are inspected once a year.
What is a site visit, follow-up, or other programmatic review?
A site visit consists of a review of administrative requirements as
set out in the Alabama Administrative Code, Sections 580-2-13, 580-1-2,
and 580-5-30, and a visit to evaluate all programmatic requirements. A
programmatic site visit is conducted within six months of initial issuance
of a Letter of Temporary Operating Authority (TOA). Timing of subsequent
program site visits depends on the length of initial certification and may
be unannounced.
How often are programmatic site visits conducted?
The initial program site visit and/or administrative review is scheduled
with the agency. All subsequent program site visits occur in accordance with
the period of certification renewal date and may be unannounced.
How many sites/services does the state of Alabama DMH certify?
The DMH currently certifies over 3400 sites/services in Alabama.
If a program is certified by the DMH does that mean that
DMH will contract with the agency to provide services?
NO. Certification of an agency/entity by DMH does not obligate the
department in any way to contract with the entity for the provision of
services. Certification merely indicates that the agency/entity has been
found to be in compliance with DMH standards for community treatment programs.
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