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Please visit our
DBH Communications page for important information and updates. Please visit the
1115 Behavioral Health Medicaid Waiver page for details about the Alaska Behavioral Health Reform Waiver.
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Assessment of Alaska’s Behavioral Health Crisis Services Continuum of Care (Milliman Report, June 2024) - This report focuses on mobile crisis response and crisis stabilization facilities and provides a strategic roadmap for implementing potential solutions. DBH has begun reviewing recommendations and is providing an outline for expansion of services. Implementation activities will include planning and design, stakeholder engagement, tribal consultation, regulatory authority changes, payment review and rate development, and updates to internal operations and documentation.
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On March 26, 2024, the Alaska received approval from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend the 1115 demonstration waiver through December 31, 2028. The extension authorizes the state to change the title of the demonstration from “Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Behavioral health Program (SUD-BHP)” to “Behavioral Health Reform.” The title change aligns mental health and SUD under a broader behavioral health definition to reflect the state’s commitment to program reform and system transformation. Beyond the title change, the state did not request changes with this extension but rather sought to continue operations of the current demonstration. This renewal approval was a culmination of significant work from staff in the Department of Health and the Division of Behavioral Health who are commended on their efforts contributing to this approval.
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The Alaska SMART Medical Clearance form is an effective, standardized tool for determining medical stability for patients with a psychiatric crisis in emergency contexts. Benefits can include improved patient care and more efficient care coordination.
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FY24 Treatment & Recovery: Grantee Quarterly Report Forms
- Public Notice: Combined Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan (SUPTRS and MHBG) to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
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U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory: Social Media and Youth Mental Health
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