PACT Provider Listening Session_10.28.26.pdf

Executive Office of Health and Human Services

PACT and Forensic PACT:

DMH Provider Listening Session

October 28, 2026

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AGENDA 10/28/26

1. Introduction

2. Outcome Measurement and Data Collection

3. Certification

4. Service Model

5. Open Forum

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INTRODUCTION

• DMH is conducting this listening session in preparation for the reprocurement of statewide

PACT and Forensic PACT (FACT) services.

• As part of DMH’s research and planning process, we are seeking feedback to deepen our understanding of current service trends, needs, and potential model-changes.

• Following this listening session, DMH will accept written feedback of no more than three (3) pages per organization. Written feedback must be submitted via COMMBUYS or to

Michael.Stepansky@mass.gov no later than 5:00PM November 3, 2026. Feedback may pertain to any aspect of PACT or Forensic PACT services and does not need to adhere to the questions presented in this slide-deck or posted to the notice in COMMBUYS.

• Slides will be available on COMMBUYS following this session.

• Recording Listening Sessions is prohibited.

• DMH will not be responding to questions.

mailto:Michael.Stepansky@mass.gov

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INTRODUCTION: PACT SERVICES

• PACT is a comprehensive, evidence-based service model for individuals with serious mental illness resulting in functional impairments who may benefit from intensive coordinated services, and who have not responded well to other program or office-based interventions.

• Criteria for PACT includes:

• Diagnosis of a serious and persistent mental illness meeting DMH clinical criteria, including and especially schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder

• Significant functional difficulties resulting from the diagnosis, such as inability to meet basic needs, find and maintain employment, or maintain a safe living environment

• High service needs, such as acute psychiatric hospitalizations, co-occurring substance use disorder, and high-risk of criminal justice involvement

• DMH currently contracts for twenty-two (22) PACT teams and three (3) forensic PACT teams.

Services are provided in contracts serving fifty (50) or eighty (80) persons at a time, or fifty-five

(55) persons in Forensic PACT, which includes a five-bed congregate housing program.

• PACT operates in all five DMH Areas. Forensic PACT operates in the DMH Western and

Northeastern Areas.

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OUTCOMES AND DATA COLLECTION:

• What are the key outcome measures indicating success for persons enrolled in PACT services?

• How should DMH incorporate client satisfaction into PACT outcomes?

• Is there a method or tool that would best facilitate data collection and submission for persons enrolled in PACT ?

• If your agency operates an Electronic Health Record (EMR), how would changes to the EMR be managed to provide additional reporting to DMH?

DMH will transition from quarterly program-level reporting to person-level reporting:

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OUTCOMES AND DATA COLLECTION (continued):

• What kind of format, analysis, or frequency of distribution of reports or dashboards by DMH would support PACT providers’ ability to meet contractual expectations and improve the quality of services? Would accessing reports through a provider portal be helpful?

• DMH is considering collection of data on PACT’s ability to meet persons’ basic, daily needs (e.g.

Social Drivers of Health/SDOH).

o Does your agency use a SDOH tool? If yes, what tool does your agency use?

o Should DMH stipulate a standardized tool?

o How could SDOH data be integrated into PACT’s initial and ongoing assessment process?

o What frequency of collection makes sense?

DMH will transition from quarterly program-level reporting to person-level reporting:

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CERTIFICATION

• DMH is interested in recommendations to enhance alignment between DMH and MassHealth requirements, particularly affecting providers’ ability to meet contractual expectations.

On November 1, 2025, MassHealth issued a regulation establishing requirements governing how non-forensic PACT programs may participate in MassHealth. On November 10, 2025, DMH issued guidance establishing criteria and a process for PACT programs to be certified by DMH as providers of such.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/program-of-assertive-community-treatment-services-regulations-0/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/pact-certification-procedures/download

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SERVICE MODEL

• DMH is interested in subpopulations served by PACT (e.g. young adults, older adults, non-English speakers, homeless, etc.) and potential adaptations or model enhancements necessary to better meet the needs of these groups.

• DMH is interested in the ability of PACT providers to identify persons in the community in need of

PACT services for the purpose of referral to DMH.

o Where would PACT providers identify potential PACT referrals?

o What steps would PACT providers take to determine appropriateness for PACT prior to referral to DMH?

• Support to deliver, administer, monitor, and inculcate skills to self-administer medication is a core component of the PACT service model.

o DMH is considering MAP Certification for PACT programs. How would MAP certification impact service delivery?