• improved education and outreach to MassHealth members, providers, members of the public, and private and state agency staff who come into contact with MassHealth members about Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) services (implemented December 31, 2007);
• implementation of standardized behavioral-health screening as a part of EPSDT "well-child" visits (implemented December 31, 2007);
• improved and standardized behavioral-health assessments for eligible members who use behavioral-health services (to be implemented by November 30, 2008);
• the development of an information-technology system to track assessments, treatment planning and treatment delivery (to be implemented by November 30, 2008);
• a requirement to seek federal approval to cover several new or improved community-based services (to be implemented by June 30, 2009).

As of December 2007, Plan-contracted primary care providers (to include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and registered nurses) are required to use one of eight standardized behavioral health screening tools at well-child visits with children under the age of 21.

Access free Web-based curriculum to learn how to use the MassHealth-approved behavioral-health screening tools for children under the age of 21 in the primary care setting.

After completing the curriculum, the participant will:

• understand the new mandate and what it requires of MassHealth primary care providers;
• be familiar with the evidence supporting the use of standardized behavioral health screening tools;
• understand how to choose from the menu of approved screening tools and use the tools;
• understand when to make referrals to a behavioral health provider;
• be familiar with strategies to incorporate the use of standardized screening tools into routine office procedures.

All BMC HealthNet Plan providers who perform behavioral health diagnostic assessments (i.e., psychiatric diagnostics interview examinations - CPT code 90801) for members under age 21, including those in licensed mental health clinics and hospital outpatient departments must be trained on the Child Adolescent Needs & Strengths (CANS) tool by November 30, 2008.

Get important information on how to obtain access to the Child Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool.
Access the MassHealth Web site to learn about training and certification for (CANS).
Access EOHHS' centralized site for comprehensive Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CHBI) information.

Licensed, community-based behavioral health provider organizations interested in bidding to participate in a statewide network of Community Service Agencies should submit a response according to the process indicated in the Community Service Agency (CSA) Procurement RFR.

CSA RFR Frequently Asked Questions.

We will continue to post amendments to this RFR as they become available. All amendments to date include:
Amendment 1
Amendment 2
Amendment 3
Amendment 4
Amendment 5

Click here to see the CSA RFR Procurement Updated Timeline.

Click here to view slides from the CSA RFR bidders' conference.