Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has initiated a new program to address the backlog of court-ordered forensic fitness evaluations. Announced by DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton, this initiative aims to involve local providers in conducting these evaluations and related services.

Director Brereton stated, “Increasing access to forensic fitness evaluations in the community and reducing reliance on the Montana State Hospital as the sole provider for these services have been priorities for DPHHS, the Legislature, and Governor Gianforte’s administration.” He further added that this pilot initiative allows the judicial system to use local community providers when suitable.

Launched on March 8, 2024, after approval from Governor Greg Gianforte and the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission (BHSFG), the Community-Based COE and Stabilization near-term initiative (NTI) is backed by $7.5 million in state funds. These funds are intended to incentivize community-based evaluations and services to alleviate a long-standing backlog at the Montana State Hospital Forensic Mental Health Facility.

Historically, most evaluations were conducted by one psychiatrist at FMHF due to limited options and funding confusion. The new process involves a detailed summary prepared by DPHHS that outlines steps from when a judge issues a COE to reimbursement claims by providers.

County Attorneys can request judges specify local completion of COEs. Upon order issuance, they notify DPHHS via an online form selecting service providers. This form captures necessary information for compensating selected providers.

Community-based COEs can occur in various settings including jails, private hospitals, or via telehealth. After completion, County Attorneys submit an attestation form enabling billing to DPHHS.

While some restoration services require FMHF commitment, others may be delivered in non-FMHF settings if feasible within community resources. DPHHS has engaged with providers about participation and reimbursement processes for these services.

Governor Greg Gianforte's signing of House Bill 872 on May 22, 2023 marked a significant investment in reforming Montana’s behavioral health systems with $300 million aimed at expanding care across the state.

For more details on this initiative visit futuregenerations.mt.gov.