How does OMH intend to implement this new methodology and how will it affect the licensing of clinics?
OMH will continue to conduct recertification visits based on programs current license expiration. During OMH’s initial phase-in of this process programs surveyed will receive a certification of at least eighteen (18) months in duration. Note: If egregious deficiencies are noted that affect the safety and well being of patients OMH reserves the right to issue a license with a substantial decrease in duration, including the issuance of no Operating Certificate. The scoring tool utilized with the new methodology with be developed and tested during the first 12 months of implementation.
OMH will continue to conduct recertification visits based on programs current license expiration. The revised licensing standards and the tracer methodology will be implemented for all clinic licensing visits beginning on April 1, 2010 for the Western, Central, and Hudson Valley Regions. Clinics in New York City and Long Island will be surveyed under the new protocol beginning on May 1, 2010. During the first year, clinics will receive an operating certificate of 18 months duration unless serious deficiencies that affect the safety and well being of recipients are discovered. In addition, programs that achieve an Adequate or Exemplary rating on at least 25 of the 31 focus areas will be earn an additional 3 months of duration for each Exemplary rating achieved (to a maximum of 36 months).
