OAR 944-001-0030: Formation of Behavioral Health Resource Networks and Funding for Behavioral Health Resource Networks

(1) Organizations, local governments, the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, and the Urban Indian Health Program may seek to establish a Behavioral Health Resource Network and are eligible to apply through an application process designated by the Oversight and Accountability Council. Organizations, local governments, the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, and the Urban Indian Health Program may seek participation in a Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) by: (a) Applying as a pre-established service provider or network of service providers that cover all of the required services outlined in SB 755, Section 2(2)(d) and in these rules; (b) Applying as a partial network of service providers that cover some of the required services under SB 755, Section 2(2)(d) and in these rules, and seeking additional funding or partnerships to cover all the services; or (c) Applying as a single service provider that covers one or more of the required services in SB 755, Section 2(2)(d) and in these rules, seeking to be part of a BHRN. (2) The applicants must identify in their applications how they intend to partner with other entities to provide the services. The Oversight and Accountability Council and the Oregon Health Authority may facilitate collaboration among the applicants. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) for referral and sharing the duties of reporting must be established between partners in the BHRN prior to the distribution of grant funding from the OAC/OHA. All MOU's must be received by the OHA prior to receiving funding. If all entities in a BHRN do not establish MOU's with each other by 30 days after the grant agreement is executed, the grant agreements may be terminated. The MOU's must address at minimum referral agreements between BHRN entities, each entity's role, client confidentiality, communication plans, and means for dispute resolution between organizations. A template for the MOU's must be provided to each grant recipient. Funding will be provided directly to each entity in the BHRN. Each applicant may apply as part of a BHRN that provides more than the minimum requirements. (3) In the timeframe discussed in subsection (2) above, applicants who propose to form a BHRN, or partial BHRN, with other service providers, must have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or written agreement with the other service providers specifying their respective roles and responsibilities to meet each requirement of funding. The MOUs must detail workflows that ensure uninterrupted and seamless service delivery for all individuals. MOUs must specify processes and procedures that ensure tightly linked referral pathways, service capacity monitoring, and the use of peers to facilitate their entire service delivery. (4) Through the application process and funding opportunity, the Oversight and Accountability Council must disburse funds so individuals in each county have access to at least one BHRN. If there are multiple BHRNs in a county, those BHRNs must communicate and refer between when appropriate or requested by the client. (5) The Oversight and Accountability Council may provide Access to Care grants and funding to eligible applicants seeking to provide one or more of the services described in SB 755, Section 2(3)(a) or this rule. Applicants may include, but are not limited to, entities not participating in BHRNs, or organizations, local governments, or tribes that have not expressed interest in participating in a BHRN but wish to provide one or more of the services described in SB 755, Section 2(3)(a) or this rule. (6) The Oversight and Accountability Council must prioritize culturally specific and linguistically responsive services and historically underserved populations in awarding of grant funds to establish and maintain the BHRNs.