MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to introduce centralized processing of applications for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) when there are plans for individuals to be discharged from the state mental hospitals. The Department of Mental Health (DMH), Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) and the Family Support Division (FSD) have developed procedures to accept and process applications for individuals between the ages of 22 and 65 being discharged from DBH state mental hospitals. The goal of this collaboration is to have the application decision for MHABD upon discharge to avoid disruption in services, improve transitions into public settings, strengthen families, and stabilize neighborhoods.

These applications must be processed within two (2) working days of the discharge into the community, providing all other eligibility factors are met. This process is effective immediately.

As part of this process, DBH staff will assist the individual, the guardian, or authorized representative in completing the application and all necessary forms. The forms, and any verification, including medical documentation, will be sent to the designated FSD office for processing, regardless of the expected Missouri community address upon release. The designated office is FSD DBH Processing, 101 Park Central Square, Springfield MO 65806. When sent from a DBH facility, these applications will be identified by a cover sheet (example attached) to ensure they are appropriately routed.

An application may be submitted as early as 90 days prior to an individual's planned discharge date. The date of application will be the date the application is received at the FSD DBH Processing office.

Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health Responsibilities

DBH agrees to facilitate the application process on behalf of FSD for individuals between ages 22 and 65 who would appear to otherwise meet all factors of eligibility for MHABD except for residing in a public institution as defined in Income Maintenance Manual section 1020.005.00 Inmate of Public Institution.
This includes:

• Assisting the applicant, authorized representative or guardian in completing the necessary forms
• Providing medical documentation, when available
• Submitting the application to the FSD DBH Processing office with the appropriate cover sheet
• Providing with the application, the anticipated discharge date and the name and contact information for the community mental health center (CMHC) that will be providing mental health services upon discharge
• Notifying the FSD DBH Processing office of the date of actual discharge and the updated community address for the applicant
• Providing both a DBH and CMHC staff member contact information.

FSD DBH Processing Role and Responsibilities

• All MHABD applications received from DBH with the cover sheet will be completed by FSD DBH Processing designated staff.
• The date of application is the date received in the FSD DBH Processing office.
• Verification not provided with the application must be requested from the individual, authorized representative, or guardian.
  • While DBH will assist in obtaining this information, FSD may not provide DBH with an official request for needed information unless a specified DBH member is the authorized representative for the applicant.
• If the individual is ineligible on any factor other than residing in a public institution, the rejection may be authorized when that determination is made.
• If the individual is eligible on all factors other than residing in a public institution, the application must be held until the discharge date or the due date, whichever is earlier.
  • If the individual is still residing in a public institution on the due date, the application must be rejected. DBH will submit a new application if needed.
    • The due date for MHABD (if based on PTD or AB criteria) is 90 days from the date of application.
  • If the individual is discharged prior to the due date, the application must be processed within two (2) business days of discharge into the community if all eligibility factors are met.
  • If the individual is discharged on the application due date, the application should be processed that day.

    NOTE: An application must not be approved until confirmation is received from DBH that the individual was discharged from the facility. MHABD applications in FAMIS will need to be taken through the flow and left in ISD status at the QMB decision screen (FMD6) in order to keep the system from approving an application prior to an individual's discharge.

  • If all factors of eligibility are not established by the due date, follow policy in Section 0105.045.05 Reasons for Delay in Disposition of Applications.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
• Process DBH-submitted MHABD applications using this procedure effective immediately.
• Accept a copy of the DBH patient's birth certificate when furnished by DBH with a statement from DBH staff that they viewed the original for citizenship purposes.
• Process the application within two (2) working days of the release if all eligibility factors are met. Resulting notification to the applicant, and, if applicable, to the authorized representative, will follow standard procedures.
• Reject the application when appropriate.

ATTACHMENT:

• FSD DBH Cover Sheet

AC/mah