Questions and Answers
Since introducing the SOQIC (Solutions for Ohio's Quality Improvement and Compliance) forms in 2005, we have received a variety of good questions from mental health services providers across Ohio. In addition to questions about using the forms, we also have received questions that span medical necessity, mental health services, billing for services and documentation good practices. These questions gave us the opportunity to develop and publish a question and answer informational tool for our provider agencies.
The SOQIC Questions and Answers document was developed from, and is in response to, the questions we received from:
- Attendees at medical necessity training
- Attendees at community service provider training
- Attendees at SOQIC forms rollout training events
- Email inquiries and phone calls from mental health service professionals
How the Answers Were Developed
The questions were reviewed and sorted by topic area, and experts provided answers. They included a national consultant, representatives from the Ohio Department of Mental Health's (ODMH) Medicaid office, legal office and Office of Forensic Services, as well as representatives from the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS). Experts referenced the following when formulating answers:
- Ohio's accreditation and licensure standards (Ohio Administrative Code)
- Medicaid rules reflected in Ohio's Medicaid Plan as approved by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
- Good practices, when applicable
- Agency policy, when appropriate
The questions and answers were reviewed and feedback was incorporated from ODMH; ODADAS; the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies; the Ohio Advocates for Mental Health; the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health Providers; the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities and the Family Service Council of Ohio.
About the SOQIC Initiative
SOQIC is Ohio's statewide mental health initiative that is dedicated to improving quality, reducing costs and ensuring compliance with federal and state accreditation requirements.
The SOQIC Questions and Answers document is a product of the SOQIC initiative and further reflects ODMH's commitment to support the implementation of the SOQIC documentation system to enhance clinical practice and to transform mental health care in Ohio.
The SOQIC standardized integrated medical records forms toolset covers the entire mental health treatment process -- from demographic information to transfer/discharge -- including assessment, treatment planning and progress notes. The forms accommodate the various certification, national accreditation and Medicare/Medicaid compliance requirements, as well as ODMH and ODADAS rules and standards.
Questions or Comments
Please direct SOQIC questions or comments to Dana Harlow.