52-2-310. Development and use of qualified provider pools, MCA

Montana Code Annotated 2017

TITLE 52. FAMILY SERVICES

CHAPTER 2. CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Part 3. Multiagency Service Placement Plan

Development And Use Of Qualified Provider Pools

52-2-310. Development and use of qualified provider pools. (1) In order to accomplish the goals of 52-2-301, the department shall establish a pool of qualified in-state providers identified as willing and able to meet the significant needs of high-risk children with multiagency service needs who are currently placed or may be placed out of state. Using existing staff resources, the department shall design and implement a process in which licensed providers qualify for a pool by demonstrating their ability to provide mental health services for children:

(a) through use of available federal and state special revenue and state general fund money;

(b) in the least restrictive setting available;

(c) in accordance with the state's goal of using a wraparound philosophy of care and planning process; and

(d) using criteria established by the department to address the specialized needs of high-risk children with multiagency service needs.

(2) (a) The department shall allow any willing and qualified in-state provider to review a case involving a high-risk child with multiagency service needs and to propose a plan of care for providing in-state services to the child.

(b) Prior to contracting with a provider for the delivery of in-state services, the department shall determine that the plan of care submitted by the in-state provider is both cost-effective and in the best interests of the child.

(c) If a qualified in-state provider proposes a plan of care for providing in-state services to the child, the department may not certify a child for placement with an out-of-state provider unless it denies the plan of care proposed by the in-state provider.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 430, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 377, L. 2011.