Section 7.70.160. Alternative accreditation approval.

	(a)  To request approval of an alternative accreditation under 7 AAC 70.150(a)(2) or (b)(1)(D), a behavioral health services provider must submit a written request to the department that includes the documentation necessary for the department to evaluate the alternative accreditation agency and that agency's accreditation process.  
	(b)  At a minimum, an alternative accreditation agency  
		(1) must evaluate the behavioral health services provider's policies and procedures in areas of  
			(A) provider ethics;  
			(B) admissions;  
			(C) client rights;  
			(D) service delivery;  
			(E) medication management;  
			(F) infection control;  
			(G) performance measures and quality improvement;  
			(H) leadership and organizational structure;  
			(I) physical environment;  
			(J) human resources; and  
			(K) information systems management;  
		(2) must use standardized evaluation tools to evaluate the provider;  
		(3) must demonstrate a business practice that updates the accreditation agency's standards on a continuous basis to meet changes in industry standards;  
		(4) must assist the provider with maintaining or improving quality of care through a variety of technical assistance tools;  
		(5) must be capable of evaluating the provider's ability to safely and effectively provide behavioral health clinic services, behavioral health rehabilitation services, detoxification services, or residential substance use services;  
		(6) must use independent evaluation of providers; and  
		(7) may not be affiliated directly or indirectly with a provider.  
	(c)  The department will approve an alternative accreditation if  
		(1) the minimum standards in (b) of this section are met;  
		(2) the accreditation is appropriate for the behavioral health services provider's scope of practice; and  
		(3) the accreditation agency's accreditation standards meet or exceed the interim standards of operation under 7 AAC 70.200 - 7 AAC 70.260.  
	(d)  The department will notify a behavioral health services provider in writing of its decision. A provider may appeal the department's decision under this section in accordance with AS 44.62.330 - 44.62.630.  

Authorities

47.05.010;47.30.470;47.30.475;47.30.477;47.30.530;47.30.540;47.30.570;47.37.140

Notes

Reference

7 AAC 70.150

Authority

AS 47.05.010 AS 47.30.470 AS 47.30.475 AS 47.30.477 AS 47.30.530 AS 47.30.540 AS 47.30.570 AS 47.37.140 ________________________

History

Eff. 10/1/2011, Register 199