Responses Questions for 15BCTS25Q00000013 (2).pdf

Questions for 15BCTS25Q00000013 (CTS in Garden Grove, CA)

Question 1: We are preparing our response to the upcoming solicitation for community-based outpatient substance use and mental health treatment services in the Garden Grove, CA area. We would like clarification regarding the delivery modality for specific mental health services. In alignment with our proposed staffing and compliance plan, we intend to maintain a physical office within the required five (5) mile radius of Garden Grove City Hall and ensure therapy services are available in person at that location.

However, to enhance access and continuity of care, we would like to confirm if the following services may be provided via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth by a California-licensed providers:

• CLIN 5011: Mental Health Intake Assessment & Report

• CLIN 5030: Psychiatric Evaluation & Report

• CLIN 6051: Medication Monitoring & Report

• CLIN 5005: MH Intake Screening

• Crisis Intervention (as needed)

• CLIN 2001: SUD Treatment Planning & Follow-up

• CLIN 2005: SUD Intake Screening

All services would be delivered using secure, real-time audiovisual platforms in accordance with BOP security and documentation standards. Therapy (CLIN 6010, 6031), group counseling, and SUD services will be provided on-site and in person, per solicitation requirements.

We believe this hybrid model provides flexibility for the government while maintaining full compliance and quality assurance.

Please confirm whether this approach would be acceptable under the contract’s current structure

Response: 3.2.1 Treatment Services. The Contractor shall deliver all services in-person, or by audiovisual, real time, two-way interactive communication, or, in limited circumstances, by audio-only with FAC COR pre-approval. The method of service delivery is contingent on the requirements of the contract (e.g., telehealth only), Contractor capabilities, offender accessibility and technical availability, and the type of service being rendered. All services require clinical interactions between the offender and an appropriately licensed and Bureau-approved Contractor.

3.2.2 Assessments. The Contractor must conduct an intake assessment, ordinarily conducted in person, on all offenders prior to initiating treatment. The assessment must include a diagnosis as a basis for treatment.

4.3.3 Substance Use Disorder Intake Assessment and Report (CLIN 2011): Contractor must meet in person with the referred offender for a clinical intake assessment, unless preauthorization is granted by the FAC COR on a case-by-case basis for the session to be conducted via telehealth.

An initial comprehensive diagnostic interview is conducted to identify substance use diagnoses and treatment goals. A diagnosis is required to justify continued substance use disorder treatment. Reports must be submitted to the electronic file management system within ten (10) business days of assessment. Assessment services will not be reimbursed prior to receipt of the report. Price is per report.

4.3.4 Mental Health Intake Assessment and Report (CLIN 5011): Contractor must meet in person with the referred offender for a clinical intake assessment, unless preauthorization is granted by the FAC COR on a case-by-case basis for the session to be conducted via telehealth. An initial comprehensive diagnostic interview is conducted to assess current mental health functioning and status as well as medication compliance, if applicable. The report must provide a diagnosis (where applicable), mental status examination, and treatment recommendations.

Reports must be submitted to the electronic file management system within ten (10) business days of assessment. Assessment services will not be reimbursed prior to receipt of the report.

Price is per report.

3.10 TELEHEALTH. The Contractor shall provide services over real-time, audio and visual interactive telecommunications for telehealth sessions. The Contractor must be aware of federal and state telehealth regulations and be familiar with the laws in the state where offenders are located, if delivering services across state lines.

3.10.2 Clinical Suitability. The Contractor must determine which offenders are suitable for telehealth sessions based on clinical decision, available resources, and technology. The Contractor must also determine if a telehealth session is the most appropriate method of delivery for the type of service being rendered. Clinical judgment must guide the use of telehealth for the delivery of services, and not simply for the sake of convenience for the Contractor or offender.

3.10.10 Alternative Sessions. The Contractor must conduct in-person sessions with the offender, if the offender does not have the technical capacity or ability, or if the offender does not consent to the use of real-time video technology. In some instances, audio-only communication for telehealth sessions may be utilized when pre-approved by the FAC COR.