Skip Navigation LinksWyoming Department of Health Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division MHSA Treatment MHSASD Substance Abuse Treatment Certifications

Certification Applications

Please click on the link if you wish to Apply Online to become a Provider , or to add new service levels to an existing certification. The online application will provide all certification applicants with a secure pin. The secure pin will allow applicants to access the application at any time before it is complete and submitted. The guidance document is also found in this link, and is recommended for new applicants to assist them in preparing for the online application process. It is recommended to print the guidance document before going any further in the online application. The guidance document will inform applicants what information is necessary and help to better understand what the documentation and certification requirements are. Applicants may access the guidance document by clicking apply online to become a provider link, or below click on link for document titled SA Treatment Cert App Guidance FINAL.

 

The renewal application for certified providers that are not adding new levels of service are provided below for your convenience. Please remember that a certification field specialist will send a renewal application to each provider at least thirty (30) days prior to the current expiration date. (Erica, if you want to include the pdf needing adobe acrobat reader here or above, that is fine) Please click on appropriate link

 

Substance Abuse Treatment Certification Renewal Application (PDF)

Substance Abuse Treatment Certification Renewal Application (word)  

 

Substance Abuse Treatment Cerification Application Guidance (PDF)

Substance Abuse Treatment Cerification Application Guidance (word) 

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

 

      What is Certification?

 

      Certification is regulatory oversight which determines if a program/provider has the necessary and required structural elements to provide a specified level of service, according to Rules and Regulations for Substance Abuse Standards, Chapters 1-8.

 

      The Standards can be found at: http://health.wyo.gov/mhsa/treatment/SAStandardsrevision.html

 

      Certification is a state supported progression of improving expertise while implementing and using best practice protocols. This progression includes free training and guidance in the field to ensure that a quality standard of care is sustained. Certification supports personalized learning and approaches to problem solving, in that providers are offered an indicated response, and overview through each on-site certification site review report. New providers typically receive a provisional 3-6 month initial certification.

 

      The initial review is via telephone, but after one is initially provisionally certified by phone, and then they have approximately 3-6 months to build capacity. The field guidance is offered primarily during this time and may be ongoing throughout certification. However, the certification process has evolved and is more focused on provider’s ability to adhere to standards than actual technical assistance. It is the expectation with the implementation of new standards in 2010 that providers have a higher level of accountability, and competency.

 

 

Who will be reviewing the applications and why become certified?

 

The Certification Management Team is comprised of state employees from The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division (MHSASD) and the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT). Once you have submitted an application for Certification it is forwarded to CASAT to be assigned to a field specialist. Each provider will have a designated certification field specialist through the initial certification process. This is designed to help providers improve their practice, keep up with cutting-edge substance abuse knowledge and apply innovative professional development, on-going. Certification can open doors and provide opportunities through free training to maintain licensure requirements, and advertisement as a certified substance abuse provider on MHSASD website. The website is utilized as a referral source for consumers and to assist the public in determining the most appropriate agency for treatment services.

 

 

When is Certification Required?

 

According to the Rules and Regulations for Substance Abuse Standards Chapter 2, Section 3 (a): As set forth in W.S. § 9-2-2701(c), no program, provider, or facility may receive state funds for substance abuse prevention, early intervention recovery support services, or treatment services unless certified under these rules. Additionally, no substance abuse treatment program may receive court referred or ordered clients unless it is certified under these rules.

 

 

What types of programs need certification?

 

All alcohol and drug treatment programs, prevention programs, and DUI / MIP Education programs require certification if they are receiving state funding or are serving court referred clients. This means anyone receiving funding from the state, and/or seeing any court ordered, or court involved clients must become certified by the state prior to providing substance abuse assessments, prevention, DUI /MIP, or treatment services.

 

 

Where can I get an application?

 

Substance Abuse Treatment Certification, Prevention, and all re-certification applications can be found at our website. The direct link to the online application is:

Apply Online to become a Provider!

 

 

What happens after I submit an application for certification?          Please see chart:

 

I’ve just submitted an application to MHSASD requesting certification as a new program.  How long will it take for MHSASD to review and evaluate my application?

 

The Standards allow 60 days for review of a certification application. Once the complete application has been approved the process will take approximately 30-60 days. The above chart is approximate and can be used as a guide for timeline of processing application.

 

 

Can an application be denied?

 

Yes, according to the Rules and Regulations for Substance Abuse Standards, Chapter 2, Section 3(l) (i): The Division may deny an application to issue a certification if an applicant fails to meet all of the requirements of the Standards, and may refuse to renew a certification if an applicant no longer meets or has violated any provision of the Standards. Incomplete applications will be returned to the provider and may be subject to a 6 month waiting period to re-apply.

 

 

Is the process different for applying for prevention than treatment?

     

Yes, MHSASD will be conducting the certification for prevention providers internally. You must be a contracted prevention provider to apply for certification. Please contact Marilyn Patton at marilyn.patton@health.wyo.gov or by phone at 307-777-7071, if you have any questions.

 

 

What are the qualifications for becoming a certified provider?

 

A treatment provider must be licensed by the Mental Health Professional Licensing Board (MHPLB) in order to become certified. The direct link to MHPLB is: http://plboards.state.wy.us/mentalhealth/

 

The remaining qualifications are embedded in the Substance Abuse Treatment Application. The requirements for certification primarily come from within the Rules and Regulations for Substance Abuse Standards, Chapters 1-8. (See above for link to rules) Prevention providers do not need to meet the MHPLB criteria, as they are not clinical treatment providers.

 

 

Are there rules and regulations to follow?

 

Yes, the Rules and Regulations for Substance Abuse Standards Chapters 1-7 for treatment, and prevention; 8 for Drug Courts, are found on the MHSASD website. The rules and regulations were promulgated January 1, 2010. Theses rules are also referred to as the Standards. The Standards outline the rules and regulations a provider must adhere to in becoming and remaining certified. The direct link is: http://health.wyo.gov/mhsa/treatment/SAStandardsrevision.html

 

 

Where can I find the TIPS and TAPS mentioned in the standards?

 

All of the FREE Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Technical Assistance Publications (TAP) and Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) manuals are available by calling 1-800-729-6686, or by contacting WyoCARE at 307.766.4119 and/or: www.wyocare.org.

 

Electronic access to TAPS: http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/results.aspx?h=publications&topic=102

 

Electronic access to TIPS:

http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/results.aspx?h=drugs&topic=103

 

 

What are the requirements for DUI/MIP Education providers?

 

Please refer to Chapter 4, section 10 of the standards, summarized below. The necessary components of any DUI Education are:

 

There are three State of Wyoming approved DUI/MIP Education Curricula:

 

            The Change Companies

            Hazeldon

            Prime For Life

 

The provider shall provide the client with education in the following subjects:

 

Social influences of alcohol use;

Physiological aspects of drug and alcohol use;

State laws and consequences of violation;

Effects of drug and alcohol use on driving abilities;

High risk behaviors and consequences associated with drug and alcohol abuse

and addiction including the following:

Communicable disease;

Prenatal effects;

Family violence;

Child abuse and neglect; and

Impact on health

 

According to Chapter 4, Section 10: DUI/MIP Education Requirements:

Programs must meet all applicable standards, Chapters 1 and 2, and Sections 1 through 9 of Chapter 4, of these standards including the following service level requirements.

 

(a)   The provider of these services must demonstrate the ability, through education and training, to provide the services required under this section. Program staff must complete the education curriculum developed by the Division. The Division will provide regional training and distance learning opportunities. Newly certified program staff will have one (1) calendar year from the inception of the certification start date to complete this training. Programs currently certified will have one (1) calendar year from the promulgation of these rules for staff to complete this training.

(b)   The program shall assure that each client is assessed per requirements stated in these rules, Chapter 4, Section 5. The results of the assessment shall be provided to the court, upon request, and the Department of Transportation-Drivers Services and/or referring agency, when appropriate and requested by those entities. The results should be accompanied by a written consent from the client as covered under 42 CFR, Part 2, Confidentiality. Where the assessment results indicate a need for additional services, the program shall make the appropriate referrals.

(c)    Each assessment shall include documentation of review of the record of blood alcohol level and driving record of the client.

(d)   If the program does not complete the assessment, they must obtain a copy of the recommendations and meet all confidentiality requirements described in these standards.

(e)    The program shall maintain records documenting client attendance and course completion or failure to attend and/or complete.

(f)     The program shall provide eight (8) hours of client face-to-face services with education utilizing a curriculum that is nationally recognized and appropriate to age and developmental levels. Curriculums for DUI and MIP courses must be separate curriculums and services must be provided separately.

(g)   In order to complete the course, clients shall be required to develop a personal action plan based on nationally accepted practices setting forth actions he/she will take in the future to avoid violations. Written documentation ensuring that the client developed a plan prior to the conclusion of the class is required.

(h)   The failure of a client to follow the court order or to meet the requirements of the Department of Transportation to successfully complete the course shall be reported to the court and any supervising or probation agent and/or the Department of Transportation within ten (10) business days of course date. All applicable standards regarding confidentiality as described in these standards must be followed in the release of this information.

 

 

The applicant does not have all the required application information. Can an applicant submit partial application information?

 

No. Incomplete applications will not be processed. The new online application system will not allow for incomplete submission of an application.  A complete packet of all the required documents that are indicated on the checklist is essential for the application to be submitted as complete. All forms and documents are to be scanned originals with original signatures.

 

 

What entails a complete substance abuse treatment (not prevention specific) certification application?

 

The online application will walk you through the entire process. A checklist is included here, for your convenience. Please feel free to print the following list to ensure you have all required documentation prior to attempting to load a complete application for certification.

 

Level (s) of services applying for in this application;

Documentation evidencing the authority of the provider to do business in the State of Wyoming (e.g., business license, copy of Articles of Incorporation filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State, etc.);

Copies of current Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, if applicable;

A list of all names used by the provider in the practice of business;

Ownership and Governing Board Membership List;

Current Staff Information List;

Requirements Specific to DUI Education Programs;

Statement of Disclosure and Release of Information;

Three (3) professional reference letters from parties with whom you have provided similar services in the last two (2) years.  (This is not applicable for providers currently funded by the Division.);

Copies of current malpractice/professional liability insurance;

Photocopy of license(s) for all practitioners from Mental Health Professions Licensing Board;

One copy of the program’s current policies and procedures manuals, specific to certification;

 

 

What is the length of certification?

 

A certification instrument and point system will be utilized to determine an overall score for the program, which determine the length of certification:

State Certified, 2 years: 80% or more in each of the scored categories with an overall weighted score of 90% and above.

 

State Certified, 1 year: 76% or more in each of the scored categories with an overall weighted score of 76% - 89% overall.

 

State Certified, 6 months: 66% - 75% or more in each of the scored categories and an overall score of 66% - 75% overall.

 

Major Non-Compliance:  If a provider receives a score of 65% or below in any of the scored categories and/or an overall weighted score of 65% or below, this will result in a corrective action plan (CAP), as stated in Chapter 2, Section 3(i). Once a provider has submitted their CAP, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division Certification Management Team will review the corrective action plan and notify the program of either the acceptance or rejection of the plan. An unacceptable plan must be amended and resubmitted within fifteen (15) business days of date of notice of rejection. A second rejection may result in termination of certification or a probationary status, in accordance with a mutually agreeable CAP.

 

 

My program certification expires soon. What do I have to do to apply for recertification?

 

You must submit a renewal application for prevention, treatment, DUI/MIP to your assigned field certification specialist.

 

The renewal applications can be found at:      http://health.wyo.gov/mhsa/treatment/Certifications.html

 

Please note: The Renewal process/application will be going online in the near future.

 

 

How does MHSASD determine suspension or revocation for certification?

 

Please refer to Rules and Regulations for Substance Abuse Standards, Chapter 2, Section 3(l) (ii): The Division may at any time upon written notification to a certified program or provider, suspend or revoke the certificate if the Division finds that the provider does not comply with these rules. The notice shall state the reasons for the action and shall inform the certificate holder of actions necessary to remedy the failures and of their right to a hearing under the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. In addition to revoking or suspending a certification, the Division may, in its discretion, place a program on probation under a specified, mutually agreeable written correction plan. If another state agency revokes a provider certification and/or license or terminates their contract, the Division may, after review of the reasons of such action and subsequent on-site investigation, revoke the certification of any services approved by the Division.

 

 

What happens once a certified provider or a certified program is suspended or revoked?

 

Please refer to Rules and Regulations for Substance Abuse Standards, Chapter 2, Section 3(l) (iii): In the event a certification is suspended or revoked, notice shall be provided promptly by the Division to all courts that may refer persons to that program. Notice of final disposition of the matter shall also be promptly provided to those courts. If the Division denies, refuses to renew, suspends, or revokes a certification, the aggrieved party may request an administrative hearing under the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. A request for a hearing must be received by the Division within thirty (30) calendar days of the action from which the appeal is taken. If a timely request for hearing is not received by the Division, no hearing will be available. If a timely request for hearing is received, the action is stayed pending a decision on the appeal, except where the Division finds in writing that the health, safety, or welfare of clients requires that the action take effect immediately.

 

Once a certified provider has been revoked or suspended, there is a 6 month waiting period to re-apply. In order to become recertified, the provider must begin the application process as a new provider, submitting the requirements in a Certification Application found online at

Apply Online to become a Provider!

 

 

How do I know if a program that is advertising alcohol and drug treatment is approved by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division (MHSASD)?

 

When certified, the substance abuse program receives a Certificate of Approval from the MHSASD. The program is required to post the State Certificate at a conspicuous location within the program for public awareness and information. You may request to see the program certificate. You can also explore the Substance Abuse Treatment Resource Map located on the MHSASD website, the direct link is: http://health.wyo.gov/mhsa/treatment/TProviderMap.html

 

The map/directory is user friendly and search capable, by county. Each provider’s physical address is listed as well as the levels of service available, and contact information.

 

 

Where can I get information about specialized addiction training and/or seminars and courses for on going CEU's?

 

The MHSASD in partnership with CASAT provides free Substance Abuse training for the certified providers, with MHPLB approved free CEU’s. One may contact Silke Flynn at sflynn@casat.org to inquire about upcoming trainings or view current training list on the website at: http://health.wyo.gov/mhsa/education/TrainingAcademyhome.html

 

 

I’m interested in becoming an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Where do I find more information?

 

The Wyoming Mental Health Professional Licensing Board is located at 2020 Carey Ave. Ste. 201 Cheyenne, WY 82002. One may also email Veronica Skoranski, the Occupational License Director at vskora@state.wy.us.  The phone number for the MHPLB is 307-777-7788. One may also view the MHPLB website at http://plboards.state.wy.us/mentalhealth/.