Vorys (Ohio/Texas): OMHAS Reopening Guidance Requires Universal Screenings, New and Updated Policies and Procedures

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) has published guidance for behavioral health providers preparing to restart in-person services, which (among other things) outlines a variety of policies and procedures that providers should have in place. Providers should note that the guidance may inform enforcement of existing OMHAS rules, such as the requirement to maintain a “clean, safe, [and] appropriate environment.”[1] Additionally, because the guidance incorporates a number of publications from other state and federal agencies, it is reasonable to conclude that these materials may be used (at least in part) to establish the applicable standard of care in providing in-person services. MORE.