Managing High-quality Diagnostic and Medication Prescribing Practices

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) certification standards require medical directors’ quality assurance of the medical components of care. Accordingly, medical directors must be involved in the aspects of the continuous quality improvement (CQI) plan that apply to the medical care components. They must also regularly assess the skills and competence of each person providing services.

High-quality diagnostic and medication prescribing practices are essential to delivering safe, effective and coordinated care, especially for people with complex mental health and substance use needs. Diagnostic decision-making and prescribing account for the highest volume and greatest potential risk components of medical care in CCBHCs. Such risks include inconsistent coordination, and the over- and underuse of external providers. We invite medical directors and people in clinical roles to join the National Council for Mental Wellbeing July 9, 1-2 p.m. ET, for an important discussion about strengthening diagnostic and prescribing practices in CCBHCs. The webinar will cover key topics including:

• Best practices for reviewing and assessing diagnostic and medication prescribing practices. This also includes monitoring coordination with outside providers to reduce waste or abuse.
• Common findings of the misapplication or overuse of medications in CCBHCs and mitigation strategies.