Behavioral Health Administration Newsletter - March 2024

[Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)]

Message from new BHA Commissioner, Crisis Professional Learning Opportunities, Feedback Wanted on Grievance Processes 

A Message from BHA Commissioner Dannette R. Smith Dear people of Colorado, What an incredible two weeks since assuming the role of BHA Commissioner. I've had the privilege of connecting with my dedicated BHA colleagues and assessing all the work BHA has been asked to do. The breadth of work ahead is truly inspiring, fueling my enthusiasm and sense of purpose. I commend the Governor and his administration for building a strong behavioral healthcare foundation in Colorado, and I am committed to building upon their accomplishments. My priority is to continue expanding and strengthening behavioral health services across the state, ensuring all people have access to quality care, regardless of location or ability to pay.  On a more personal note, my transition from Nebraska to Colorado has been fun-filled as I explore its beautiful, inviting neighborhoods. I'm thrilled to call this place home. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders and partners to discuss our behavioral health priorities and collaborate on innovative solutions. Many of you have already requested meetings, which brings me immense joy. I will be available for meetings beginning mid-April. For scheduling inquiries, please email Melissa Morales at melissa...@state.co.us. Together, we can make meaningful strides in improving behavioral health outcomes for all people in Colorado.  Sincerely, Dannette R. Smith Commissioner, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration We're Hiring! Digital Engagement Manager - Closes 04/15 Regional Community Engagement Specialist - Closes 4/7 Tribal Affairs Specialist - Closes 4/2 BHA Funding Opportunities The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has one upcoming solicitation:  BHA is seeking vendors to become Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (“BHASOs”). BHASOs are regionally-informed administrative organizations with which BHA contracts to establish, administer, and maintain adequate networks of Behavioral Health Safety Net Services and Care Coordination. (C.R.S. § 27-50-401(1)). For more information see the “Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BHASOs)” Drop-down tab on https://bha.colorado.gov/our-partners Find more information about solicitations on our website. Let’s Learn: BHA Releases Crisis Professional Curriculum Modules in New OwnPath Learning Hub The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) welcomes you to the OwnPath Learning Hub! We're excited to introduce a dynamic platform tailored specifically for clinical mental health providers, professionals, and peers. While our official launch is scheduled for April 2024, we would like to offer crisis professionals early access to satisfy the requirement to complete the Crisis Professional Curriculum (CPC).  Implementing this comprehensive crisis curriculum will allow individuals to confidently and competently fulfill crisis professional roles, regardless of prior academic qualifications. Traditionally, becoming a crisis professional necessitated a master's degree or licensure, which can be time-intensive and financially burdensome for many. BHA has shattered these barriers with this crisis curriculum, which provides the crucial tools to lead a crisis response free of charge and at your own pace. For those already working in the crisis field, please check with your employer regarding completion deadlines.  There are 12 modules available now, and the remainder of the curriculum will be released over the following weeks. BHA will keep in touch as the courses are released.  Please continue to check online for new courses to allow crisis professionals to continue their learning experience and complete courses as soon as they are available.  To get started, visit the OwnPath Learning Hub and select “The Crisis Professional Curriculum”. Then click ENROLL and register an account. Once registered, you can access the 16 initial modules of the Crisis Professional Curriculum. This groundbreaking curriculum development follows extensive collaboration with an advisory committee, ensuring alignment with industry needs and evidence-informed practices. Feedback surveys incorporated into the classes further enhance the quality and relevance of the training. BHA Seeks Feedback on Grievance Processes  The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is working to revise its individual complaints/grievances submissions process to further promote transparency, improve customer experience, and utilize new and original methods to work with and on behalf of complainants. If you have feedback on current processes, please provide it via written comment through the anonymous BHA Grievance Stakeholder Feedback Form or by email submission to cdhs_bha...@state.co.us. You can also set up an individual or small group virtual office hour conference with BHA staff to discuss any feedback you may have for the grievance system. Please email us at the address listed above or call us at 720-877-2172. BHA Seeks Provider Rules Administrative Burden Advisory Work Group Members  When establishing provider rules, the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is committed to continually seeking input on rules and proposing revisions based on the input received. In line with this commitment, BHA is establishing an Advisory Work Group and inviting professionals and individuals from diverse backgrounds within the behavioral health system. This group will collaborate to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens imposed by regulations while ensuring that licensed agencies continue to deliver high-quality services. If you want to participate in this work group, please complete this form by April 15. Once BHA has information about the level of interest, you may be contacted regarding next steps. Please note, this workgroup is limited to about 20 participants. The anticipated time commitment for this workgroup is 1-2 hours per month, which could include meeting time or preparation for meeting topics.  BHA's Meetings and Events Calendar Copyright © 2024 Behavioral Health Administration, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via the Behavioral Health Administration website. 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