Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) - Clarification on the Provision of Services

• Provision of CMHC Services: 42 CFR 485.918(b)(1)(iii) Provision of Services requires that a CMHC provide either day treatment, (the provision of partial hospitalization services other than in an individual’s home or in an inpatient or residential setting), or psychosocial rehabilitation services. The certified CMHC must provide one of the above referenced services to be in compliance with the Standard.
• Medicare Provider Agreements: However, 42 CFR 489.2(c)(2) states that CMHCs may enter into provider agreements under Medicare only to furnish partial hospitalization services. Therefore, a CMHC may not enter into or continue a provider agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unless the CMHC provides, at a minimum, partial hospitalization services consistent with the requirements in §485.918(f).