Feds Want Input on Mental Health Clinic Quality Checks
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Notice
Summary
SAMHSA wants your thoughts on creating an independent accreditation system for clinics that get CCBHC-E grants, which help community mental health services grow. This new system will make sure clinics meet quality standards, cut down on paperwork, and offer consistent support nationwide. Comments are open until July 27, 2026, and funding will help clinics cover accreditation costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Transition to Independent Accreditation
SAMHSA plans to move Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion (CCBHC-E) grant recipients who are not certified by their state under a Medicaid CCBHC program from self-attestation to independent accreditation. The Joint Explanatory Statement allows program funds to be used by grantees to obtain required independent accreditation, and SAMHSA will consider accreditation costs when setting grant funding levels.
Approval and Oversight of Accrediting Bodies
SAMHSA will evaluate and approve independent accrediting bodies through a formal application and review process and establish a federal oversight framework to monitor approved accrediting bodies, handle disputes and appeals, and coordinate with states and providers. This framework is intended to ensure alignment with SAMHSA's CCBHC standards and consistent national determinations.
Technical Assistance and Reduced Burden
SAMHSA intends to provide targeted technical assistance and implementation support to states, CCBHCs, accrediting bodies, and other stakeholders to support the accreditation system and help reduce administrative burden. SAMHSA is seeking public input on what forms of technical assistance (for example, consultation, webinars, readiness tools, or checklists) would be most valuable.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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