The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published proposed conditions of participation (COP) for community mental health centers (CMHC) in the Federal Register on June 17, 2011. The proposed rule can be located at: (see alert below for link). The proposed rule, if finalized, would create the first set of COPs that CMHCs would need to satisfy to participate in the Medicare program. Issues addressed in these proposed COPs include restrictions on professionals who deliver care, client rights, the use of restraints, and the administration and governance of CMHC services. The open comment period for the proposed rule will close on August 5, 2011.

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