Provider Manual

PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

It is the responsibility of all mental health care providers to ensure that they inquire whether an individual has a Mental Health Declaration or a Mental Health Power of Attorney upon intake or during the initial assessment. Providers must establish and maintain a clear and consistent policy for staff to follow inquiring about the existence of a mental health advance directive and outlining procedures to implement in the event of a mental health emergency.

Providers must also educate their staff on the available resources, which include additional information, instructions, and necessary forms for mental health advance directives. These resources can be found on The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s website under Instructions Forms – English.pdf.

Carelon of Pennsylvania emphasizes the importance of compliance with these procedures and will monitor adherence through member complaints and periodic provider audits. Providers are expected to be proactive in this area to ensure that members’ rights and preferences are respected and upheld in accordance with established directives. Carelon members are educated about these directives through Member Handbooks to ensure informed participation in their own mental health care.