Program Updates
Streamlining Access to Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
DHCS is streamlining and improving access to ECM by standardizing referrals and expediting the authorization process. DHCS worked extensively with stakeholders to develop statewide
ECM Referral Standards and an updated ECM presumptive authorization policy included in the
ECM Policy Guide (page 107). The standards and policy take effect on January 1, 2025, and Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCP) are currently operationalizing the new guidance. This adds to a series of DHCS reforms to streamline access to ECM and Community Supports outlined in the 2023 ECM/Community Supports
Action Plan.
Additionally, on October 9, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host an all-comer webinar to share details on the standards and policy. Advance webinar registration is required when it is made available online. Stakeholders may also direct questions about the new guidance to
CalAIMECMILOS@dhcs.ca.gov.
DHCS Awards $147 Million to Help Medi-Cal ECM and Community Supports Providers Statewide
On August 30, DHCS
awarded $146.6 million to 133 community providers throughout California that provide ECM and Community Supports services to Medi-Cal members. This funding is part of the Providing Access and Transforming Health (
PATH) Capacity and Infrastructure, Transition, Expansion, and Development (
CITED) initiative, aimed at supporting community providers' capacity to partner with MCPs and participate in the Medi-Cal delivery system. ECM and Community Supports are essential to Medi-Cal transformation, serving the highest-need MCP members with in-person care coordination, housing assistance, and other vital services, leading to a more equitable health system that works for all Californians. For more information, visit the
PATH website.
Updated Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM) Guide and Integrated Training Guide (ITG) Released
DHCS is pleased to announce the launch of the new
ICPM Guide and
ITG. These resources are dedicated to helping managers, service coordinators, social workers, foster youth liaisons, youth probation officers, and others who support the local
System of Care for Children and Youth in enhancing and improving sustainable safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families across California while supporting their communities.
Two informational webinars will be hosted by UC Davis to support this launch. The
first webinar, on September 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PDT, will provide a general overview of the updated ICPM Guide and ITG, leadership behaviors, and implementation for members of local Interagency Leadership Teams (advance registration required). The
second webinar, on October 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PDT, will provide a general overview of the updated ICPM Guide and ITG and practice-level content (advance registration required).
Join Our Team
DHCS is seeking a highly skilled, exceptionally motivated individual to serve as:
- Privacy Officer and Attorney Supervisor to lead DHCS' Privacy Office. The Privacy Officer and Attorney Supervisor supervises team members as they prepare legal pleadings and strategies, develop complex legal advice, and conduct varied litigation support activities. (Final filing date: September 12)
- Chief, Human Resources Division (HRD) to lead all aspects of human resources management, policies, practices, and operations for DHCS. The Chief of HRD provides strategic support, expert guidance, and creative solutions to the Directorate and Executive Staff, while ensuring adherence and compliance with the State of California's civil service rules and regulations. (Final filing date: September 25)
DHCS is also hiring for its
legislative and governmental affairs, human resources, auditing, health policy, information technology, and other teams. For more information, please visit the
CalCareers website.
Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars
Medi-Cal Children's Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) Meeting
On September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the quarterly MCHAP meeting at 1500 Capitol Avenue, Building 172, Sacramento, in the ABC Training Rooms, or via
public webinar. MCHAP advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The meeting will provide an update on ECM and new benefits, review the Assembly Bill 2083 children and youth system of care supplementary analysis to the multiyear plan report, and provide a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative update.
Behavioral Health Services Act Public Listening Session
On September 12, from 1 to 2 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a
public listening session on Housing Interventions under the Behavioral Health Services Act. In March 2024, California voters passed Proposition 1, which includes the
Behavioral Health Services Act and
Behavioral Health Bond. During this session, which is open to the public, participants may comment on the guidance DHCS is developing and help shape the future of behavioral health care services in California.
Visit the
Behavioral Health Transformation webpage for more information about this public listening session and additional resources. Please send your questions about Behavioral Health Transformation and/or the public listening sessions to
BHTinfo@DHCS.ca.gov.
Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program (HACCP) Webinar for Families and Community Partners
On September 12, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the quarterly HACCP webinar for families and community partners. For more information and to
pre-register, please visit DHCS'
HACCP webpage.
PATH Technical Assistance (TA) Marketplace Webinar
On September 26 at 10 a.m. PDT, DHCS will host a PATH TA Marketplace TA recipient
informational webinar (advance registration required). All currently approved TA recipients and eligible organizations interested in becoming TA recipients are encouraged to attend. The webinar will provide support on selecting vendors and projects, submitting TA projects for approval, progress reporting, and more. Please submit your questions to
ta-marketplace@ca-path.com. Visit the
PATH TA Marketplace webpage for more information.
DHCS Harm Reduction Summits
Registration is currently open for the first two DHCS Harm Reduction Summits in Shasta County (October 24) and San Mateo County (November 19). Through these convenings, DHCS aims to collaborate with communities across the state to change the culture around the concept of harm reduction within California's substance use disorder treatment system and to create low-barrier, patient-centered care. DHCS encourages substance use disorder treatment providers and staff (including social workers, peers, front desk staff, case managers, nurses, physicians, and all staff in substance use disorder treatment settings) to attend and learn about best practices for incorporating the tenets of harm reduction into substance use disorder treatment settings. The remaining summits will be in Fresno County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County in winter 2025. Register on the
event website.
HACCP Webinar for Medical Providers and Hearing Professionals
On November 12, from 12 to 1 p.m. PST, DHCS will host the quarterly HACCP webinar for medical providers and hearing professionals. For more information and to
pre-register, please visit DHCS'
HACCP webpage.
In Case You Missed It
Transitional Rent Concept Paper
On August 30, DHCS released the
Transitional Rent Concept Paper for a three-week public comment period. DHCS invites the public to comment on this concept paper by 5 p.m. PDT on September 20, 2024. The concept paper summarizes the design of transitional rent, a new initiative under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Section 1115 waiver demonstration to cover rent/temporary housing for Medi-Cal members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and meet certain additional eligibility criteria. Coverage of transitional rent as a Community Supports service will be optional for MCPs beginning on January 1, 2025, and it will be a mandatory benefit offered by all MCPs on January 1, 2026.
Comments may be submitted to
CalAIMECMILOS@dhcs.ca.gov with the subject line “Comments on Transitional Rent." DHCS also encourages the public to visit the
Medi-Cal ECM and Community Supports webpage for regular updates.
Elevate Youth California (EYC) Cohort 6 Standard Track
On August 19, DHCS released a
Request for Applications and encouraged youth-serving community-based and Tribal organizations to apply for up to $1 million to implement the EYC program over a three-year grant period in low-income, historically under-resourced communities. EYC is a statewide program addressing substance use disorder by investing in youth leadership and civic engagement for youth of color and Two-spirit/LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 to 26 living in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. For more information and to apply by the September 23, 2024, deadline, please visit the
EYC website.
Critical Funding Opportunity Available to Expand Behavioral Health Services
On July 17, DHCS released the Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready Request for Applications. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate properties for behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members. Interested parties can find application instructions on the BHCIP website and submit their applications by December 13, 2024. This initiative, part of Proposition 1, seeks to transform California's mental health and substance use disorder systems, providing more comprehensive care for the state's most vulnerable populations. For more information, contact DHCS at BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov.
