The Maryland Department of Health has announced a temporary halt in the enrollment of specific behavioral health providers into the Maryland Medicaid Program, effective July 1, 2023. This decision is aimed at addressing potential issues of fraud, waste, and abuse within the program. The suspension will last for a period of six months and will apply to four types of behavioral health programs: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs, Health Home, Level 2.5 Partial Hospital Programs, and Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs.
This action, approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a response to the significant growth of these provider types since the shift to an accreditation-only model for provider licensing. Alyssa Lord, the Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health, emphasized the importance of maintaining quality behavioral health services for Maryland residents, stating that the pause in new provider applications will enable the department to evaluate the provider landscape, the quality of care delivered, compliance with state and federal regulations, and identify and mitigate potential fraud, waste, and abuse.
It is important to note that this licensure pause will not impact the access to mental health services provided by individual practitioners, clinics operating within regulated hospital spaces, and providers at federally qualified health centers. The department will also continue the licensure and enrollment process for existing providers who require license renewals, relocations, mergers and acquisitions, extensions due to accreditation delays, and licenses required for programs funded by state or county grants.
Additionally, license applications filed before July 1 will not be affected by this suspension. The department aims to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the quality of behavioral health services during this period of assessment and evaluation.