Administrative Rules of the State of Montana

BEFORE THE Department of Public

health and human services of the

STATE OF MONTANA

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 37.87.1803, 37.106.1955, and 37.106.1961 pertaining to the removal of Montana Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessments for Mental Health Centers (MHC) involving Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT)

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NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

TO: All Concerned Persons

1. On July 8, 2016, the Department of Public Health and Human Services published MAR Notice No. 37-755 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 1151 of the 2016 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 13.

2. The department has amended the above-stated rules as proposed.

3. The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. A summary of the comments received and the department's responses are as follows:

COMMENT #1: A few commenters expressed support for the removal of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment. The commenters stated that it is too lengthy and they did not find it a useful tool for informing the practice or measuring outcomes. In addition, the commenters stated that the technical difficulties with the electronic CANS system created additional problems. One of the commenters further advocated for each agency to choose their own tool to measure outcomes. However, if the state determines all agencies must be consistent, they recommended the use of the Partners for Change Outcome Management System assessment.

RESPONSE #1: The department appreciates the commenters' support and will continue to solicit feedback from providers in regards to the development of new policies pertaining to outcome measures in the future if a consistent outcome measure is pursued.

/s/ Brenda K. Elias /s/ Richard H. Opper

Brenda K. Elias Richard H. Opper, Director

Rule Reviewer Public Health and Human Services

Certified to the Secretary of State September 12, 2016.