LICENSING
A leading way for organizations to show that they are invested in their clients and community is to achieve state licensing. All levels of behavioral health organizations reach to improve the lives of their clients. Quality care comes from the investment of time and effort of the entire team, from the primary caregivers to the administration.
Becoming licensed gives you credibility, added cachet, believability, gives insurers a reason to trust you, and makes the program stand up straighter. To become licensed, however, can be a daunting task. Most states require a significant amount of information beyond the basic application, including policies and procedures for leadership, finances, human resources, facility environment/safety, clinical program and overall operations, all before the site survey when the program premises are inspected.
The process of licensing varies from state to state, but reflects an 85% commonality in the regulations. PowderHorn Consulting starts with a one-day gap analysis to look at the facility, understand its mission and revise if necessary, then tell a provider where it is in the process as far as readiness for a site survey from the licensing agency, and what needs to be addressed. Then documents are prepared. Another service offered is site survey assistance in which a consultant can be on-site with the facility to assist while the state licensing surveyor is present.
A benefit to receiving licensing assistance from a PowderHorn consultant is the ability to write policies that are CARF or Joint Commission (TJC) compliant. The next natural step after licensing is accreditation, which is now required in some states. PowderHorn Consulting professionals have nearly 200 years of experience in the CARF and TJC accreditation process, and a 100% success rate. PHC gives our clients a boost on becoming accredited.
From a business standpoint, it makes sense to become licensed. It sends a message to the community, to those requesting assistance and insurance payors, that your organization is following regulations and meets state standards. Most, if not all insurance companies require licensure before they pay claims. Licensure signifies that you are a legitimate treatment option, and promotes higher quality patient care.
