Is the MH/AODA Functional Screen required?
The MH/AODA screen is totally voluntary for consumers. They must give their permission to have a screen completed. A screener can not complete a screen without the knowledge of and agreement from the consumer. However, where the screen is the tool for determining need for services, the consumer needs to know that refusal to participate in the screening process could affect the determination of the need for services. The Department has chosen to make this screen the approved screen for CCS admissions for adults (the new children’s screen will be used to determine CCS for children). It will also be the approved screen for COP eligibility for COP level 3 individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, beginning March 1, 2005. It will remain voluntary for CSP at this time, however many counties may want to begin using the screen for CSP as it will give each program access to valuable data on the CSP population locally. For the first time, local agencies will have a mechanism to be
