Feb 2, 2021

Maine has five MaineCare-funded Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs that provide flexible supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities to assist them in their daily lives and prevent admissions to nursing homes, intermediate care facilities and other institutional settings. As in other states, these programs operate under special permission from the federal agency that oversees Medicaid, which is why they are called “waiver” programs.

• Read more about Enrollment in Maine’s Home and Community-Based Waiver Programs Increased 7% During Pandemic

Feb 2, 2021

Starting today, some health coverage options are available again under a new Special Enrollment Period for the COVID-19 public health emergency. Maine people who qualify can enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance plans from February 15, 2021 through May 15, 2021.

• Read more about Second Chance to get Affordable Health Insurance for 2021

• Read more about Who should take Peer Support 101?

• Read more about Intentional Peer Support

Peer Support

Intentional Peer Support is a relationship focused, problem solving, and strengths based, trauma-informed approach. With administrative support from the Muskie School, OBH has oversight of training and certification in Intentional Peer Support for individuals identifying as having lived experience with mental health challenges employed to offer support to others with mental health difficulties.

• Read more about Mental Health and Rehabilitation Technician (MHRT)

With administrative support from the Muskie School, OBH has oversight of training, continuing education, and Certification for frontline mental health workers. There are three types of certification: Community (MHRT/C), Residential (MHRT/I), and Crisis Service Provider (MHRT/CSP).

Pathways to MHRT (PDF)

• Read more about Training & Certification

OBH offers a variety of trainings, workshops, conferences, fidelity monitoring, technical assistance, and administers two -certification programs. Below is a non-exhaustive sample.

• Read more about Substance Use Disorder Treatment Data System

Currently, all licensed SUD treatment providers in Maine are required by state licensing regulation to report patient-level data for each treatment episode. Until August 31, 2021, this was done using the WITS system. Collection and reporting of this data is required in order for our state to receive federal funding support for SUD treatment services and programs.

• Read more about Provider Forms

• Case Management Treatment Plan Review Directions (PDF)
• Case Management Treatment P

• Read more about Prescription Monitoring Program

The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) is a secure database that is used across the State of Maine to improve public health by providing controlled substance drug use information prior to prescribing or dispensing those drugs. The PMP is a key part of the State of Maine’s Opioid Response Strategy by decreasing the amount and frequency of opioid and controlled substances prescribing. To view more regulatory and statutory information, please see Chapter 11 Rule (Word).

• Read more about Providers

Become a Behavioral Health Provider

Behavioral Health Services providers must comply with the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) System of Care Principles.

Providers who are interested in becoming a Behavioral Health Service Provider must contact a Program Coordinator to begin the application process.