RCPA recently met with the BH-MCO Task Force as part of our ongoing efforts, and the Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) rate development process was discussed. This rate development process will require a partnership with the providers to capture the actual cost of care and implementation. RCPA is recommending the following for agencies intending to deliver IBHS Services;

• Agencies should do a line-by-line review of the IBHS Regulations to determine current and future costs to implement a specific regulation.
• Areas such as training, supervision, staff credentialing, infrastructure redesign, hiring, quality improvement requirements, and individual staff training plan development/tracking should be considered, but be sure to consider all regulations impacting the delivery of service platform.
• The cost calculations should be shared with your BH-MCO so they have a full understanding of the actual cost of care that your agency will require to deliver the IBHS service(s).

RCPA and the Children’s IBHS Work Group continue to work on the implementation values for IBHS. If you have questions or feedback, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp.