The state strategic plan outlines the responsibilities and tasks of the Division of MH/DD/SAS that are required to implement reform. It incorporates both the task list and the state business implementation plan from the initial State Plan 2001: Blueprint for Change. This version is designed to be consistent with the local business plan format.

This summary simply provides an outline of the state strategic plan. It highlights the major areas of the plan and the overall goals within each major area. There are many, many pages that detail how the Division will accomplish these broad goals. If you see an area or goal you have interest in and want more detail go directly to the strategic plan document (internet link provided) to view the specific objectives, task/strategy, outcome/product, and completion date within each goal.

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/mhplan/STATE%20BUSINESS%20PLAN-7-1-02WEBpart1.pdf

Initially, planning at the state level will cover a wide array of activities necessary in the transition from old to new. The expectation is to plan to provide treatment, interventions, services, supports, and accommodations that:

• Maximize community alternatives to more restrictive care
• Involve individuals in the system of governance
• Address cultural diversity in service planning and care decisions
• Promote participatory choice wherever possible
• Seek support arrangements that facilitate independence, personal responsibility, and involvement in community life and promote wellness.

Consumer and family participation are expected to go beyond the current level and directly seek out stakeholder input and community concerns. The Division is responsible for planning and enforcing a system that obtains, assimilates, applies and implements stakeholder recommendations into all planning activities.

1. The Division will implement a long term planning strategy
2. The Division will oversee the transition from the existing system to a reformed system consistent with the vision in the state plan

The state is mandated to provide management and oversight of a system of services and supports that is equitable across the state and provides for greater accountability and value for the dollars spent. The Division is responsible for providing the necessary tools and assistance to enable LMEs to administer a local system of services and supports that conforms to standards of best practice.

1. The Division of MH/DD/SAS will be restructured to support mh/dd/sas reform
2. The Division will develop mechanisms to ensure consumer/family and citizen involvement in policy formulation and implementation
3. The Division will administer all regulatory functions necessary to implement reform
4. The Division will implement standardized administrative functions consistent with DHHS policies

The Division must oversee the establishment of LMEs and provide statewide standards as well as technical assistance to ensure the viability of a consistent and equitable system across the state. The Division is committed to support the development of a viable local public system that will manage a service/support system embedded in the mission and principles of the state plan.

1. The Division will develop mechanisms to support the transition to a system of strong local management entities across the state
2. The Division will ensure the consolidation of the local system
3. The Division will provide information and technical assistance to facilitate the transition of the local system

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/mhplan/STATE%20BUSINESS%20PLAN-7-1-02WEBpart2.pdf

The Division is responsible for management of state operated services and facilities (e.g. state psychiatric hospitals) and is held to the same quality and best practice standards as are local management entities. The Division is accountable for oversight of the local public management system and for providing statewide standards to ensure consistency and equity across the state.

1. The Division will provide adequate management of state operated services
2. The Division will develop and implement a plan for reducing the state’s reliance on institutional services
3. The Division will develop oversight mechanisms to ensure adequate local management of public policy
4. The Division will implement a utilization management system
5. The Division will move the system to one that incorporates best practice platforms and models of practice
6. The Division will provide oversight to ensure adequate local management of core functions
7. The Division will provide oversight to ensure adequate local management of services, treatment and supports to target populations

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/mhplan/STATE%20BUSINESS%20PLAN-7-1-02webpart3.pdf

Prompt access to services, supports and treatment is necessary to address crisis and initiate treatment when needed. Time standards related to crisis response, pre-admission screening, assessment and entry to ongoing services are established. Access systems must accommodate the needs of all persons, including those from different cultural background and with limited-English proficiency, as well as persons with mobility impairments. Services must be available within a reasonable distance of an individual’s residence.

1. The Division will implement a uniform portal of entry and exit system
2. The Division will provide oversight of local access systems

The Division must ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all service recipients and must create a system of continuous quality improvement at all levels. Quality management must integrate and analyze information from multiple sources and functions within the organization, such as customer services, access, consumer advisory groups and programs, as well as external sources. Quality management process in public systems must be accountable to all stakeholders, including funding sources, policy makers, participants and the general public. The system must report its findings, including the assessment of quality improvement activities in a state level report and via local report cards.

1. The Division will create and implement a quality management system
2. The Division will promote a qualified workforce as a component of the quality management system

The Division must widely publish the results of evaluations and assessment. Assessment of both progress and impact of change must be included in any evaluations. The Division will participate in independent studies at the state and national level.

1. The Division will create capacity for self-evaluation of the Division
2. The Division will participate in independent studies and assessments
3. The Division will ensure adequate oversight of state contracts and grants

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/mhplan/STATE%20BUSINESS%20PLAN-7-1-02webpart%204.pdf

Financial accountability ensures that funds are expended according to legislative and executive branch requirements and assures taxpayers that they are getting value for their tax dollars.

1. The Division will create a long-range finance strategy to support mental health reform in collaboration with DHHS
2. The Division will institute new fiscal practices to facilitate reform

The Division will standardize data, develop uniform measures and continue development of an accessible and effective information system. The technology component will improve: 1) clinical and administrative decisions, 2) services by making reliable data available on needs, services, service users, cost, revenue, performance and outcomes, 3) accountability within the framework of continuous quality improvement, 4) communications within the mh/dd/sa system and with other human service agencies.

Care must be taken to ensure efficiency and security of data collection and cost-effectiveness.

1. The Division will develop the information management and data systems necessary to support the reform
2. The division will oversee the implementation of all technology standards at the local level

The Division is expected to cultivate partnerships among community agencies, state divisions and departments.

1. The Division will advance collaborative efforts among divisions of DHHS and among departments
2. The Division will create a unified system at the state and local levels
3. The Division will adopt a communication and public awareness strategy