FROM THE CBHI: BROWN BAG LUNCH TELECONFERENCE ON THE MASSACHUSETTS CHILD AND ADOLESCENT NEEDS AND STRENGTHS (CANS) TOOL

Beginning November 30, 2008, MassHealth and the MassHealth Managed Care Entities (MCEs) will require a uniform behavioral health assessment process for members under the age of 21 that includes a comprehensive needs assessment using the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) invites behavioral health providers and other interested parties to join a statewide conference call on the Massachusetts CANS tool on Friday, November 21, 2008, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration is not necessary. Conference seats are limited.

During this conference call, Jack Simons, Assistant Director of the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative, Carol Gyurina, Director of Analyst and Contracting, MassHealth Behavioral Health, and other Commonwealth staff will provide key information about the CANS tool, including steps clinicians must take to complete CANS training and certification and activities provider organizations must undertake in order to enroll in the Virtual Gateway. New and clarifying information regarding CANS requirements and release of the IT application on the Virtual Gateway will also be provided. Questions will be taken during this call.
___________________________________
CBHI CANS Conference Call Information

Date: November 21, 2008
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Phone: 866-565-6580
Passcode: 9593452 (then press #)
___________________________________

EOHHS welcomes continued input from all stakeholders and interested parties on the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI). Individuals and organizations unable to participate in this teleconference are encouraged to e-mail questions and comments to: cbhi@state.ma.us.