Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

What is CCBHC?

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) was originally developed by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and tested during a federal demonstration project from 2017 through 2019. There is a SAMHSA Section 223 web page as well as a CMS Section 223 web page.

CCBHC is an outpatient, integrated care model incorporating care coordination and utilizing a cost based payment methodology. The federal criteria for CCBHC defines the specific requirements each state had to follow during the demonstration. This criteria still provides the structure for the program in Minnesota.

The goals of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics program in MN are to 1) increase access to community-based mental health and substance use disorder services (particularly to under-served communities), 2) advance integration of behavioral health with physical health care, and 3) improve utilization of evidence-based practices on a more consistent basis. Part of how CCBHCs increase access is to, “step out of the clinic 4 walls,” meaning they strive to serve people in their homes and in the community or via telehealth whenever possible.

It can be a heavy lift and sometimes a significant culture shift for an organization as it is expected CCBHCs will complete a thorough needs assessment in their community and then continuously improve their services according to those needs. CCBHCs must offer care that is person-centered and family-centered, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and that the integration of mental health and substance use disorder services in coordination with physical health care and social services will serve the “whole person” rather than disconnecting aspects of the individual. CCBHCs serve individuals regardless of ability to pay or place of residence; therefore, those who are most in need of coordinated, integrated and quality care will receive it from CCBHCs.

The CCBHC model embraces a recovery-oriented philosophy, supporting multiple pathways for individuals to recover from mental illness and substance use disorders requiring the staff to work in an integrated way enacting a harm reduction model. CCBHCs implement medication-assisted recovery—the use of medication, in combination with counseling and care coordination services, to provide effective support for recovery from addictive substances as well as mental illness. Medications may be provided in the short-term as Outpatient Withdrawal Management or in the long term as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Some basic information is in the CCBHC Brochure 2022 (PDF) 

CCBHC in MN is defined through the following methods:

• 245.735 provides the state standards and legislative authority for CCBHC
• 256B.0625 Subd. 5m. provides the medical assistance coverage authority for CCBHC
• CCBHC MHCP provider manual page

Certification

Certification process

The certification process to provide CCBHC services consists of attending an orientation, completing a Request for Information Form, completing a Community Needs Assessment and Certification Application, participating in a site visit and submitting a final cost report. Complete details are listed below.

Apply for Certification

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the certification standards and process

• Review the SAMHSA website about CCBHC and CMS website about CCBHC to learn about the federal government’s demonstration project.
• Review the CCBHC resource list below. The CCBHC Certification Checklist (updated March 2023) is used to ensure federal and state requirements are met for certification.
• Attend one of the CCBHC quarterly orientations. Please register for the sessions at the links below:
  • January 21, 2025, 1 – 4 p.m.
    
  • April 1, 2025, 1 – 4 p.m.
    
    • July 7, 2025, 1 – 4 p.m. (Cancelled)
    • October 1, 2025, 1 – 4 p.m. (Cancelled)
      
      
  • Please note: the orientation dates in July 2025 and October 2025 are cancelled. Please see below for important updates from the DHS CCBHC Team in lieu of the remaining 2025 orientation sessions:
    • There is currently a delay in the implementation of Uniform Service Standards (refer to e-Memo #24-69, sent on May 27, 2025). This legislation directed DHS to transition several services certified by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to licenses under the Licensing Division in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG-LIC): 
      
      
      • Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS)  
      • Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS)  
      • Mobile crisis response services  
      • Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC)
        
        
    • Throughout 2024, DHS, providers and community partners made substantial progress in drafting legislative language that would implement this transition by clarifying service requirements, separating licensing requirements into 245I, retaining Medicaid coverage authority in 256B, and creating the necessary authority for licensing and background studies. The intent was to enable DHS to start issuing licenses and begin transitioning providers from their current certifications by Jan. 1, 2026. However, DHS has encountered a few issues that have led to a delay. 
      
      Advancing the language that DHS and partners proposed would require new funding, and because of this, we were not able to pass it through the Legislature this year. DHS is studying further options and will engage with providers and other community partners in determining a potential legislative package in the 2026 session.
      
      
  • In March 2023, SAMHSA released the updated 2023 Community Behavioral Health Clinics Certification Criteria (PDF | 1.3 MB) in compliance with the statutory requirements outlined under Section 223 of PAMA.
    • Clinics and states are often on different implementation deadlines to come into compliance with the updated criteria, but most CCBHCs are required to come into compliance by July 1, 2024. 
    • As many are aware, Minnesota worked in partnership with the CCBHC community to seek federal approval to align the effective date with the start of Minnesota’s next Demonstration Year of January 1, 2025. 
    • Minnesota, in partnership with the CCBHC community, engaged in a statewide implementation plan throughout 2024 to bring all CCBHCs operating under both the federal demonstration and the state plan amendment into compliance with revised federal criteria effective 1/1/2025. 
    • DHS is now working internally to assess the state’s progress toward and maintenance of overall compliance with the reviewed federal criteria. 
  • The DHS CCBHC Team is currently working internally to update our certification forms, documents, and procedures in relation to revised criteria and changes to USS timeline. As a result, there may be delays as the team works to process new inquiries regarding initial CCBHC certification. This work has been designated as a high priority project, and the team will update the CCBHC website and engage stakeholders in the coming months.
  • Interested clinics and organizations are welcome to reach out to the CCBHC mailbox for general, individual inquiries and to stay abreast of DHS’ progress on the above goals. Please contact the team at MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us. 

Step 2: Confirm readiness for application and request to apply

• Contact MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us to receive a copy of the CCBHC Screening Requestion for Information Form.
• Submit to: MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us and use the following subject line:  CCBHC Screening Request for Information Form.
• Verify all locations providing CCBHC services are properly enrolled with Minnesota Health Care Programs.  For questions regarding enrollment or which provider types are eligible, please contact the Provider Resource Center at 651-431-2700. 
• Verify all services are certified and/or licensed with the appropriate entity. 
• The DHS CCBHC team will identify if there are any action steps that need to be addressed by your organization in order to fulfill federal and state CCBHC criteria. This feedback will be documented in the CCBHC Screening Request for Information Form, and will be returned for your organization to address.

Step 3: Complete the application

• Submit the Community Needs Assessment and the Certification Application to MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us and use the following subject line: CCBHC Community Needs Assessment and Certification Application.
  • Please ensure that all attachments are clearly labeled.
  • Attachments should be submitted as searchable electronic documents (e.g., text searchable PDFs) to make navigation and information retrieval more accessible for the team.

Step 4: Schedule site visit

• Site visits are scheduled in accordance with MN Statutes 245.735, Subd.3 paragraph (c) following receipt of a complete CCBHC certification application.
• A site visit checklist will be sent in advance to assist the prospective clinic in preparing for the visit. 

Step 5: Submit Cost Report

• Attend cost report training provided by DHS/Mercer. TBD: Spring/Fall. For more information or to request a link for an upcoming training, email MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us
• Submit cost report to MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us with the subject line: Cost Report
  
  

Step 6: Receive PPS Rate

• After successful demonstration of CCBHC requirements and cost report approval, a confirmation letter with your CCBHC effective date will be provided via email.
  
  

Step 7: Review of CCBHC Certification at 1 year

• A review meeting is scheduled after 1 year. 
• The DHS CCBHC team is available on an ongoing basis to provide technical assistance and support for CCBHC implementation.

Questions about CCBHC

Email: MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us

Resources

• Federal Requirements (PDF)
• MN statute for CCBHC (245.735)
• CCBHC Criteria Compliance Checklist

Other Resources

• CLAS Standards

Providers

Federal Demonstration CCBHC's

Alluma

Alluma takes an uncommon community-based approach, integrating mental health and substance use care into overall wellbeing. Rooted in research and focused on relationships, Alluma goes above and beyond to build capacity in individuals and help clients get connected.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Polk, and Red Lake.

To contact Alluma, call (218) 281-3940, or visit their website for more information.

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

Wilder Mental Health and Wellness is nationally recognized for its mental health and recovery services for adults, children and families. Its trauma informed, whole-person, whole-family integrated approach helps people grow and heal.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

County served: Ramsey.

To contact the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, call (651) 280-2310, or visit their website for more information.

Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center

HVMHC’s mission is to be a community leader in delivering exceptional, responsive and consumer focused behavioral health services.

Certification date: January 2022.

Counties served: Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona.

To contact Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, call toll free 1-800-657-6777 or visit their website for more information.

Northern Pines Mental Health Center

Northern Pines Mental Health Center is dedicated to coordinating integrated substance use disorder, mental health and physical health services to meet the needs of community members. As an essential community provider, Northern Pines utilizes many different payer sources including, private insurance, Medical Assistance, Medicare, grants, community funds, veterans' benefits and individualized payment plans.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena.

To contact Northern Pines Mental Health Center, call 1-800-316-0698, or visit their website for more information.

People Incorporated

People Incorporated represents a critical service link in Minnesota's community-based mental health system serving the community through more than 60 programs throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey.

To contact People Incorporated, call (651) 774-0011, or visit their website for more information.

Ramsey County Mental Health Center

Ramsey County specializes in providing flexible services to all individuals, including those who have not found recovery through traditional treatment.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

County served: Ramsey.

To contact Ramsey County Mental Health Center, call (651) 266-7890, or visit their website for more information.

Zumbro Valley Health Center

Zumbro Valley Health Center is an inclusive non-profit facility, which provides resources and support for anyone living with a mental health issue. Mental health is an everyday and very real occurrence for people from all walks of life and Zumbro Valley Health Center is committed to establishing a welcoming and positive environment.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Fillmore and Olmsted.

To contact Zumbro Valley Health Center, call (507) 289-2089, or visit their website for more information.

State Plan Amendment (SPA) CCBHC's

Canvas Health

The mission of Canvas Health is to bring hope, healing, and recovery to the people we serve. Canvas’ integrated programs and services offer coordinated care to people of all ages in their homes, the community, and in our clinics. We strive for excellence in clinical care as we serve those living with mental illness, substance use disorders, crisis, unstable housing, and trauma.

Certification date: February 2022.

Counties served: Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Scott, and Washington.

To contact Canvas Health, call toll free 651-777-5222 or visit their website for more information.

Central Minnesota Mental Health Center

While CMMHC has always used an integrated care approach, by becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, it has improved access to a wide variety of services to meet the overall health needs of its clients. A key component to this model is that all providers work together as a team on a client's treatment plan and goals.

Certification date: September 2021.

Counties served: Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright.

To contact Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, call toll free 1-800-635-8008 or visit their website for more information.

Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES)

CLUES programs provide our participants with access to resources and opportunities to be healthier, prosperous and engaged in their communities. We package services across program areas to address the diverse and interrelated barriers faced by our community and provide supports that focus on the whole person and whole families. Our culturally and linguistically relevant model connects individuals’ strengths to new skills with the goal of promoting long-term wellness and prosperity.

Certification date: May 2024

Counties served: Ramsey and Hennepin

To contact Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio, call 651-379-4200 or visit their website for more information. 

Fraser Child and Family Center

Fraser is Minnesota’s premier provider and expert on services that intersect the care of intellectual and developmental disabilities with the treatment of co-occurring autism and mental health issues. Our coordinated care teams leverage a whole-person approach to maximize the health, well-being, independence, and safety of each client.

Certification date: February 2024.

Counties served: Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington.

To contact Fraser, call 612-767-7222 or visit their website for more information.

Hennepin County Mental Health Center

Hennepin County Mental Health Center is a county-supported facility that provides ongoing, comprehensive, client-centered treatment. Hennepin County Mental Health Center treatment promotes whole-person wellness and recovery, self-efficacy, and life enhancement. 

Certification date: August 2023.

Counties served: Hennepin County.

To contact Hennepin County Mental Health Center, call 612-596-9438 or visit their website for more information.

Human Development Center

HDC offers a comprehensive set of behavioral health services provided by an integrated team of professionals. As a community mental health center, HDC's mission is to lead communities by providing integrated, culturally respectful mental health and addiction services that foster hope, self-determination, and recovery. HDC focuses on serving those most in need and improving the quality of life for all.

Certification date: October 2020.

Counties served: Carlton, Lake, and Southern St. Louis.

To contact Human Development Center, call (218) 728-4491 or toll free (888) 412-9764 or visit their website for more information.

North Homes Children and Family Services

North Homes Children and Family Services is a private, non-profit agency that provides comprehensive mental health services to children and families across Northern Minnesota.

Certification date: October 2023.

Counties served: Beltrami, Itasca, and St. Louis.

To contact North Homes Children and Family Services, Bemidji (Beltrami) 218-751-0282; Grand Rapids (Itasca) 218-999-9908; Duluth (St. Louis) 218-733-3000 or visit their website for more information. 

Northland Counseling Center, Inc

Northland Counseling Center, Inc. offers out-patient mental health services that include diagnostic assessments; medication management; and individual, family, couples & group therapy for all ages.

Certification date: October 2023.

Counties served: Itasca and Koochiching

To contact Northland Counseling Center, call 218-326-1274, or visit their website for more information.

Range Mental Health Center

Range Mental Health Center (RMHC) was the first rural community mental health center in the United States and the first in Minnesota to provide services developed specifically for persons with serious and persistent mental illness. The Center was established in 1961 and was the 16th federally designated community mental health center in the nation, and the first in Minnesota. 

Certification date: May 2023.

Counties served: St. Louis 

To contact Range Mental Health Center, call (218)749-2881or visit their website for more information. 

Sanford Health Behavioral Health of Northern Minnesota

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Certification date: March 2023

Counties served: Beltrami

To contact Sanford Health, call (218) 333-2035 or visit their website for more information. 

Scott County Mental Health Center

Scott County is an outpatient community mental health clinic which provides diagnostic assessment, therapy and consultation services to the residents of Scott County. Scott County Mental Health Center stands in solidarity with our communities of color and all historically marginalized groups against racism, hatred and injustice of all kinds. As your community mental health center we strive to be a place of healing, respect and safety for all. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that honors the diversity of all individuals, groups and families.

Certification date: October 2024

Counties served: Scott County

To contact Scott County Mental Health Center, call 952-496-8481 or visit their website for more information.

South Central Human Relations Center

SCHRC has been delivering comprehensive, community-based mental health services to adults, children, adolescents and families for more than 45 years. SCHRC's mission is to provide professional, comprehensive mental health services like individual and group therapy, counseling, psychiatry and Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) to the people in its communities. SCHRC's commitment is to serve the needs of individuals in a manner that reflects its goals, values and beliefs as stated herein.

Certification date: September 2021.

Counties served: Dodge, Steele, and Waseca.

To contact South Central Human Relations Center, call (507) 451-2630 or toll free (800) 722-0590 or visit their website for more information.

Western Mental Health Center

WMHC's mission is to promote and advance mental health, to treat persons with mental health or related needs, and to provide collaborative and educational services to the community. It focuses on an integrated approach to health care, working with patients to find a balance between mind, body and spirit and supporting each individual to be the strongest they can be. WMHC's health system includes a co-occurring, evidence based, and holistic approach to health care that is patient centered.

Certification date: October 2020.

Counties served: Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine.

To contact Western Mental Health Center, call (507) 532-3236 or 1-800-658-2429 or visit their website for more information.

Woodland Centers

Woodland Centers provides Mental Health and Substance Use therapy and programs through a continuum of behavioral health services to seven Minnesota counties (listed below). Its staff consist of educated and trained mental health and substance use providers.

Certification date: January 2022.

Counties served: Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Renville and Swift.

To contact Woodland Centers, call toll free 320-235-4613 or visit their website for more information.

Payment

Prospective Payment System (PPS)

Not only does the CCBHC model provide an opportunity for people of all ages to be offered a full array of behavioral health services in a one-stop-shop, but under the CCBHC Prospective Payment System (PPS) methodology, Medical Assistance payment is based on an individual clinic’s expected cost of care.

Minnesota has 3 types of payment for CCBHCs:

• An approved Medicaid PPS rate under the federal Section 223 demonstration (referred to as “Demonstration CCBHCs”)
• An approved Medicaid PPS rate under Minnesota’s Medicaid State Plan Amendment, currently pending Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval with an anticipated effective date of October 1, 2020 (referred to as “SPA CCBHCs”)
• SAMHSA CCBHC expansion grants for CCBHCs who do not have an approved Medicaid PPS rate

Currently, there are six Demonstration CCBHCs that receive ongoing Medical Assistance funding through the CCBHC Prospective Payment System (PPS). These are the six clinics that were certified in June of 2017 and continue to participate in the federal demonstration.

Two SPA CCBHCs will convert to Medical Assistance funding under the State Plan authority mentioned above. These clinics were recipients of grants from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These grants pay for services and clients who are not covered by the funding normally received by outpatient behavioral health providers. For more information about the past grant opportunity, please go to the SAMHSA CCBHC grants page. During 2020, these two SPA clinics were re-certified as CCBHCs according to state requirements and completed the cost reporting process in order to receive a clinic-specific PPS rate effective October 1, 2020 (pending SPA approval).

Two additional providers received SAMHSA grants that were awarded in a second CCBHC expansion grant funding opportunity in August of 2020. More information can be found on the SAMHSA CCBHC Expansion Grants page. These clinics do not have an approved Medicaid PPS rate.

Payment Systems

The six Demonstration CCBHCs that receive the PPS rate first submit and receive payment for services provided through the normal state and managed care organization claims process systems. The CCBHCs then receive a monthly CCBHC supplemental payment based on their clinic-specific cost-based PPS rate less any claims payments received.

DHS is currently working towards full PPS payment for FFS and MCO claims for CCBHCs operating under State Plan authority when they submit a claim through the standard claims processing systems for a qualifying encounter for services provided. A qualifying encounter is the first billable unit for a CCBHC service on a given service date, for dates of service on or after the effective date of the PPS rate.

Scope of Services - Federal 223 Demonstration (PDF)
Scope of Services - State Plan Amendment (SPA) (PDF) 
CCBHC PPS Payment FAQ (updated on 1-28-21)
DCO Requirements

Quality Bonus Payments

CCBHCs receiving the PPS rate under the federal Demonstration are currently eligible to earn a quality bonus payment based on performance of outcome measures. DHS is currently working on a state incentive program that would allow CCBHCs under State Plan authority to also earn a quality bonus payment (pending SPA approval).

Exemption from County Share

CCBHCs that are approved for PPS payment are exempt from the county share that currently applies to MA payments for MH-TCM and SUD treatment.

Evaluation

Reporting Requirements

As a condition of participation in both the Federal Demonstration CCBHC program as well as the State Plan Amendment (SPA) program, the CCBHCs and DHS are required to collect and report data on the state and federally required quality measures per Minnesota Statute 2024, section 245.735, subdivision 3, part 7 and section 256B.0625, subdivision 5m, part (e)(4). The data reporting requirements are designed to ensure improved access to care and high-quality services.

There are 7 required clinic-collected quality measures, 13 state-calculated quality measures, and 2 experience of care surveys. The state also calculates 8 Minnesota-specific measures to show the impact of the CCBHC service delivery model.

Clinic-Collected Quality Measure Name and Acronym

• Time to Services (I-SERV)
• Depression Remission at Six Months (DEP-REM-6)
• Preventive Care and Screening: Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Screening and Brief Counseling (ASC)
• Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention (TSC)
• Screening for Clinical Depression and Follow-Up Plan, ages 12 to 17 (CDF-CH)
• Screening for Clinical Depression and Follow-Up Plan, age 18+ (CDF-AD)
• Screening for Social Drivers of Health (SDOH)

State Calculated Quality Measure Name and Acronym

• Patient Experience of Care Survey (PEC)
• Youth/Family Experience of Care Survey (Y/FEC)
• Adherence to Antipsychotic Medications for Individuals with Schizophrenia (SAA-AD)
• Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness, ages 6 to 17 (child/adolescent) (FUH-CH)
• Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness, ages 18+ (adult) (FUH-AD)
• Initiation and Engagement of Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence Treatment (IET-AD)
• Follow-Up After Emergency Department Visit for Mental Illness, ages 6 to 17 (child/adolescent) (FUM-CH)
• Follow-Up After Emergency Department Visit for Mental Illness, age 18+ (adult) (FUM-AD)
• Follow-Up After Emergency Department Visit for Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence, ages 6 to 17 (child/adolescent) (FUA-CH)
• Follow-Up After Emergency Department Visit for Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence, age 18+ (adult) (FUA-AD)
• Plan All-Cause Readmissions Rate (PCR-AD)
• Follow-Up Care for Children Prescribed Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Medication (ADD-CH)
• Antidepressant Medication Management (AMM-BH)
• Use of Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD-AD)
• Hemoglobin A1c Control for Patients with Diabetes (HBD-AD)

Minnesota Impact Measures

• Track proportion of encounters and persons served by peer services in CCBHCs
• Track persons served by telemedicine for allowable services in CCBHCs
• Compare percentage of Persons of Color and Latinos/Hispanics receiving CCBHC services to their percentage of Medicaid population in the CCBHC service areas
• Compare percentage of Non-Primary English speakers receiving CCBHC services versus their percentage of Medicaid population in the CCBHC service area
• Track the mean number of days between initial contact and evaluation of new clients
• Track percentage of all clients receiving 2 or more services within 2 months after initial assessment
• Track percentage of clients who are Persons of Color and Latinos/Hispanics receiving 2 or more services within 2 months after initial assessment
• Track percentage of non-primary English-speaking clients receiving 2 or more services within 2 months after initial assessment
  
  

Resources

Clinic-Collected and State Calculated Quality Measures

CCBHCs are expected to use the SAMHSA-provided measure technical specifications in order to calculate the clinic-collected quality measures and report to DHS with the SAMHSA-provided measures template. Below are links to the measure technical specifications, the measures template, as well as helpful resources from SAMHSA, the National Council, and a DHS-provided FAQ and measure clarifications.

• SAMHSA CCBHC Quality Measure Technical Specifications
• CCBHC Quality Measures Reporting Template
• MN SPA Scope of Services
• MN Demonstration Scope of Services
• Webinars:
  • SAMHSA Quality Measures Webinar 1 (I-SERV, SDOH, ASC)
  • SAMHSA Quality Measures Webinar 2 (CDF-AD and CH, DEP-REM-6)
  • SAMHSA Quality Measures Webinar 3 (we only require TSC (submeasures #1 and 2, not #3) so no need to watch past 18:24)
• MN DHS CCBHC Measure Clarifications:
  • I-SERV clarifications to MN DHS from SAMHSA
• MN DHS CCBHC Measure FAQ (in development)
  
  

Experience of Care Surveys (PEC/YFEC)

There are two patient experience of care surveys that will be completed as part of the CCBHC demonstration as well as under the SPA: Patient Experience of Care Survey and Youth/Family Experience of Care Survey. DHS will use the federal Mental Health Statistics and Improvement Program (MHSIP) surveys. Each CCBHC will ensure the completion of at least 300 surveys to adults and at least 300 surveys to parents or guardians per calendar year. Surveys will be completed using a DHS provided internet link to the surveys.

The survey is currently being developed and links will be distributed to clinics for use once it is complete.

Consumer Level Data

In order to calculate the Minnesota Impact Measures, DHS relies on CCBHCs to collect consumer level data in their Electronic Health Records (EHR) and upload to the CCBHC Secure Data Portal.

Below are resources for CCBHCs to assist them in uploading consumer level data to the CCBHC Secure Data Portal:

• CCBHC Consumer Level Data Guide
• CCBHC Secure Data Portal Upload How To
• CCBHC Consumer Level Data Error Protocol
  
  

Reporting Schedule and How to Report

New Providers:

Due to the complexity of the reporting requirement, CCBHCs in their first year of reporting will be expected to report quarterly (with cumulative calendar year data due September of the following calendar year). This requirement exists in order to ensure new CCBHCs become comfortable with reporting and provide more frequent opportunities for technical assistance and review of submitted data.

Established Providers:

Once CCBHCs have become proficient in reporting, CCBHCs will move to a bi-annual reporting format. For established CCBHCs, preliminary clinic-led and consumer element data for Quarters 1 and 2 will be due by July of the current calendar year and final consumer element data for Quarters 3 and 4 by January in the following calendar year and cumulative calendar year data for clinic-led measures no later than September of the following calendar year. The tables below simplify the reporting cadence.

Consumer Level Data Reporting How To and Schedule

Consumer Level Data is submitted to the CCBHC Secure Data Portal via a CSV file. Please send a screenshot of the success message including the number of rows that were uploaded and send it in an email to the CCBHC Evaluation Specialist. Please refer to these documents for more information: “CCBHC Consumer Level Data Guide” and “CCBHC Secure Data Portal Upload How To.”

Clinic-Collected Quality Measures Reporting How To and Schedule

The Clinic-Collected Quality Measures are calculated at the CCBHC-level and are reported via the CCBHC Quality Measures Reporting Template. Please complete the corresponding tab for only the caseload characteristics and required measures and email the template using this naming scheme “CCBHC Name_QX_CCBHC_CYXX” to the CCBHC Evaluation Specialist.

DHS will report preliminary state calculated quality measures by April of the following calendar year and final data by September of the following calendar year.

Quality Incentive Program

DHS offers quality incentive payments to CCBHCs both under the Federal Demonstration and the SPA that meet performance thresholds on a subset of clinic-collected and state-calculated quality measures. In 2024, CMS and SAMHSA released updated PPS guidance that has allowed individual states more discretion in creating their Quality Bonus Programs (QBP).

Minnesota is currently working on a proposal for a revised QBP. DHS will update the website once the new program has been finalized.

Quality Incentive Program Criteria and Benchmarks

Below are links to past performance thresholds and criteria for CCBHCs both under the Federal Demonstration and the SPA. Individual clinics’ thresholds are blinded. Clinics have been notified of their individual benchmarks via email.

• Demo Clinic Benchmarks DY4 and DY5 (PDF)
• SPA Clinic Benchmarks CY21 and CY22 (PDF)
• Updated SPA Clinic Benchmarks CY22 (PDF)
• Updated All Clinic Benchmarks CY23 (PDF)
• CY24 Clinic Benchmarks (PDF)

Services

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) are community clinics that offer comprehensive, trauma-informed, evidence based, person- and family-centered mental health and substance use disorder services, primary care screenings, and care coordination to all ages regardless of ability to pay or place of residence. CCBHCs provide outreach, increase access, improve services, and serve as a “one-stop-shop” to those who are currently underserved.

The required services for CCBHC are defined by the federal criteria provided by SAMHSA. In order to provide the required services, Minnesota statute for CCBHC requires that a CCBHC have certain Minnesota licenses, enrollments or certifications. Generally, a CCBHC should provide all of the required services; however, there are some services that could be provided by a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO), please refer to Minnesota statutes 245.735 subdivision 3, paragraph (b), for more information about DCO. 

The following table provides a specific listing of the services and licenses/certifications/enrollments a CCBHC must offer:

*Required activity

If you are needing any of the services above, please click the “Certified Providers” tab to find a CCBHC near you. If you are interested in becoming a CCBHC, please click the “Certification” tab to find information on the certification process.

CCBHC Standard Variance

According to MN statute 245.735 Subd. 3c, “When the standards listed in paragraph (a) or other applicable standards conflict or address similar issues in duplicative or incompatible ways, the commissioner may grant variances to state requirements if the variances do not conflict with federal requirements.”

Previously, DHS issued and/or granted "Standard Variances" to reconcile conflicts or duplications within state statute and the CCBHC federal criteria. Many of those conflicts or duplications have now been codified into law following the 2023 legislative session. If you have questions about past variances or have noted current conflicts or duplications between state statutes and the CCBHC federal criteria, please reach out to our CCBHC mailbox at MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us.

County

As more and more CCBHC’s seek certification throughout the state of Minnesota, the Department of Human Services will publish Frequently Asked Questions and other guidance to better understand the relationship and impact that CCBHC’s have with their respective counties. 

• FAQ TCM Rate Entry in MMIS for CCBHCs