Certification of Community Mental Health Agencies

Community mental health agencies require certification by the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) when they provide mental health services that are funded by a community mental health board or when they are subject to Department licensure of a residential facility according to section 5119.22 of the Revised Code. Community mental health agencies may also voluntarily request certification. Agencies are certified every three years.

Accreditation and Deemed Status

Some agencies seeking certification by ODMH are required to attain appropriate behavioral health accreditation prior to submitting an application for certification.  More information about accreditation and deemed status...

Certification Applications

Download certification applications...

Seclusion and Restraint: Ohio Administrative Code for Community Mental Health Agencies & Type 1 Residential Facilities
Presented December 19, 2011, by Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, Standards Development and Administrative Rules

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Community Mental Health Agency Deemed Status & Certification Rules Changes
Presented December 2, 2011, by Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, Standards Development and Administrative Rules

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Ohio Administrative Code Changes Webinar
On June 23, 2011, Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, ODMH Standards Development and Administrative Rules, conducted a webinar to review revisions to Ohio Administrative Code Chapters 5122-26 and 5122-28 for Certified Community Mental Health Agencies that became effective July 1, 2011.
View the OAC Changes Webinar
View slides used in the OAC Changes Webinar

Progress Note Examples and Documentation & Medical Necessity Training Materials

The information in this section is from 2010 regional trainings conducted by the Ohio Department of Mental Health on the topic of Ohio Administrative Code rule 5122-27-06 Progress Notes, and Documentation and Medical Necessity. The training includes presentations by Daniel Arnold, Program Administrator, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services; Janel M. Pequignot, Chief of Standards Development & Administrative Rules; Terry R. Jones, Manager of Medicaid Program Compliance; and representatives from Certified Community Mental Health Agencies. View the materials...

Performance Improvement

Certified community mental health agencies are required to develop and implement performance improvement activities as part of the certification and/or accreditation process, and are required to submit a Performance Improvement survey to ODMH semi-annually. Current Performance Improvement survey forms are available for download as well as a Restraint and Seclusion log. Download the forms and log...

Client Rights and Grievance Procedures

An agency applying for certification as a community mental health agency must develop a written Client Rights Policy and Grievance Procedure in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Sections 5122-26-18 (large file) and 5122:2-1-02. A copy of the policy must be provided in writing and explained orally at intake or the next appointment. The rights must also be posted in locations that are visible to consumers in each building operated by the agency. Complete the following forms when applying for initial certification, or when renewing your policies and procedures.
Letter of Explanation
Client Rights and Grievance Verification Statement and Checklist

Client Rights - Community Mental Health Agency & Board Client Rights and Grievance Procedure Presented February 21, 2012, by Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, Standards Development and Administrative Rules, and Kathryn Remer, Consumer Advocacy & Protection Specialist

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Report a Complaint

If you wish to submit a complaint concerning a licensed or certified Ohio Department of Mental Health provider, please complete all applicable fields on the form below and submit. We will respond to all complaints. Thank you.
Complaint Form External (PDF)
Complaint Form External (docx)

Incident Notification Form

Incident Notification and Risk Management Rule (Effective 1/1/12) (large file)
Incident Notification Form DMH-LIC-015C (Effective 1-2013)
Six Month Reportable Data Report for Community Mental Health Agency

Notice: All agencies / facilities who fax their reportable incidents to ODMH should use fax number (614) 485-9737 starting December 14, 2012. Remember that after December 14, 2012 the old fax number (614) 387-2987 is disconnected and will not work. If you have any questions please Call Rob Nugen, Community Client Safety Manager at (614) 466-9074.

Incident Notification & Risk Management Rule Change Webinars
On October 13, 2011 Denise Cole, ODMH Private Psychiatric Services Coordinator and Rob Nugen, ODMH Community Client Safety Manager conducted three webinars to address and explain the upcoming changes to the Incident Reporting rules for private psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities and community agencies. Part 1 is a combined presentation conducted by Ms. Cole and Mr. Nugen addressing definitions and rule changes that are common in all three treatment settings. Part 2 is sub-divided into two breakout sessions: Breakout A: addressed the changes specific to Private Psychiatric Hospitals and Breakout B: addressing changes specific to Community Agencies and Residential facilities. These changes go into effect January 1, 2012.
View Part 1 of the incident reporting rules webinar: Combined Community Mental Health Agency, Residential Facility, and Private Psychiatric Hospitals.
View Slides used in the incident reporting webinar Part 1
View Breakout Session B of the incident reporting rules webinar: For Community Mental Health Agencies and Residential Facilities.
View Slides used in the incident reporting webinar Breakout Session B
View DRAFT incident reporting form
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Incident Reporting Requirements Webinar
On July 15, 2011, Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, ODMH Standards Development and Administrative Rules, conducted a webinar to explain the reduced reporting requirements and other revisions to the Incident Reporting Requirements for both Community Mental Health Agencies and Residential Facilities. These revisions went into effect July 1, 2011.
View the Incident Reporting Requirements Webinar
View slides used in the Incident Reporting Requirements Webinar
(Windows Media Player is required to view these webinars)

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