Mental Health Services: Definitions

The following terms used in 130 CMR 410.471 through 410.479 will have the meanings given in 130 CMR 410.474 unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. When provided in a hospital outpatient department, services that are defined below must conform to the definitions given. Case Consultation. Environmental intervention for medical management purposes on a psychiatric patient's behalf with agencies, employers, or institutions which may include the preparation of reports of the patient's psychiatric status, history, treatment, or progress (other than for legal purposes) for other physicians, agencies, or insurance carriers. Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS). A tool that provides a standardized way to organize information gathered during behavioral-health clinical assessments. A Massachusetts version of the tool has been developed and is intended to be used as a treatment tool for behavioral-health providers serving MassHealth members younger than 21. Crisis Intervention/Emergency Services. Immediate mental health evaluation, diagnosis, hospital prescreening, treatment, and arrangements for further care and assistance as required, provided during all hours to clients showing sudden, incapacitating emotional stress. Diagnostic Services. The examination and determination of a patient's physical, psychological, social, economic, educational, and vocational assets and disabilities for the purpose of designing a treatment plan. Family Consultation. Interpretation or explanation of results of psychiatric, other medical examinations and procedures, or other accumulated data to family or other responsible persons, or advising them how to assist the patient. Family/Couple Therapy. The psychotherapeutic treatment of more than one member of a family simultaneously in the same session. Group Therapy. The application of psychotherapeutic or counseling techniques to a group of persons, most of whom are not related by blood, marriage, or legal guardianship. Home Visit. Crisis intervention, individual, group, or family therapy, and medication provided in the member's residence (excluding a medical institution), when the member is unable to be served at the hospital outpatient department. Individual Therapy. Therapeutic services provided to an individual. Medication Visit. A member visit specifically for prescription, review, and monitoring of medication by a psychiatrist or licensed clinician with prescriptive authority or for the administration of prescribed intramuscular medication by a qualified clinician. Psychological Testing. The use of standardized test instruments by a licensed psychologist to evaluate aspects of an individual's functioning, including aptitudes, educational achievements, cognitive processes, emotional conflicts, and type and degree of psychopathology, subject to the limitations of 130 CMR 410.479(E). 4. Program Regulations