The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has issued the final version of bulletin OMHSAS-06-04, Community Incident Management and Report System (www.dpw.state.pa.us/General/Bulletins/003673169.aspx?BulletinDetailId=1517). The effective date of this bulletin is September 1. PCPA representatives worked with the OMHSAS Incident Management Work Group to develop, review, and provide input on multiple versions of the bulletin before it was issued in final form. This bulletin is applicable to providers of community residential rehabilitation services and long-term structured residences. It is anticipated that incident management and reporting will apply to other mental health programs and services in the future.
The bulletin establishes policy and procedures regarding the reporting, investigation, and analysis of incidents as defined by the bulletin. The definition of a reportable illness includes any involuntary emergency psychiatric admission. Reports are made through the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS). Initial notification is to be made within 24 hours of the incident or within 24 hours of the provider learning of the incident. The incident is to be investigated and the final report submitted through HCSIS within five working days of the incident for those that are readily investigated and resolved. Incidents that require more extensive investigation should be completed and submitted within 30 calendar days. OMHSAS does not require the use of certified investigators at this time, but suggested that the bulletin could be modified in the future if experience indicates that they are needed to adequately investigate incidents. OMHSAS plans to provide training for providers and counties during August in preparation for September 1 implementation. Please contact Betty Simmonds with questions.
