Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 196 - Human Services Department
Chapter 9520 - MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
MENTAL HEALTH CENTER AND MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC STANDARDS
Part 9520.0800 - MINIMUM QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARDS

Subpart 1. Policies and procedures.

The center shall develop written policies and procedures and shall document the implementation of these policies and procedures for each treatment standard and each quality assurance standard in subparts 2 to 7. The policies shall be approved by the governing body. The procedures shall indicate what actions or accomplishments are to be performed, who is responsible for each action, and any documentation or required forms. Multidisciplinary staff shall have access to a copy of the policies and procedures at all times.

Subp. 2. Peer review.

The center shall have a multidisciplinary peer review system to assess the manner in which multidisciplinary staff provide clinical services in the treatment of mental illness. Peer review shall include the examination of clinical services to determine if the treatment provided was effective, necessary, and sufficient and of client records to determine if the recorded information is necessary and sufficient. The system shall ensure review of a randomly selected sample of five percent or six cases, whichever is less, of the annual caseload of each mental health professional by other mental health professional staff. Peer review findings shall be discussed with staff involved in the case and followed up by any necessary corrective action. Peer review records shall be maintained at the center.

Subp. 3. Internal utilization review.

The center shall have a system of internal utilization review to examine the quality and efficiency of resource usage and clinical service delivery. The center shall develop and carry out a review procedure consistent with its size and organization which includes collection or review of information, analysis or interpretation of information, and application of findings to center operations. The review procedure shall minimally include, within any three year period of time, review of the appropriateness of intake, the provision of certain patterns of services, and the duration of treatment. Criteria may be established for treatment length and the provision of services for certain client conditions. Utilization review records shall be maintained, with an annual report to the governing body for applicability of findings to center operations.

Subp. 4. Staff supervision.

Staff supervision:

Subp. 5. Continuing education.

The center shall require that each multidisciplinary staff person attend a minimum of 36 clock hours every two years of academic or practical course work and training. This education shall augment job-related knowledge, understanding, and skills to update or enhance staff competencies in the delivery of clinical services to treat mental illness. Continued licensure as a mental health professional may be substituted for the continuing education requirement of this subpart.

Subp. 6. Violations of standards.

The center shall have procedures for the reporting and investigating of alleged unethical, illegal, or grossly negligent acts, and of the serious violation of written policies and procedures. The center shall document that the reported behaviors have been reviewed and that responsible disciplinary or corrective action has been taken if the behavior was substantiated. The procedures shall address both client and staff reporting of complaints or grievances regarding center procedures, staff, and services. Clients and staff shall be informed they may file the complaint with the department if it was not resolved to mutual satisfaction. The center shall have procedures for the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of clients, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, sections 611A.32, subdivision 5; 626.556; and 626.557.

Subp. 7. Data classification.

Client information compiled by the center, including client records and minutes of case review and consultation meetings, shall be protected as private data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.