The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to revise the Michigan Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (MichiCANS) screening tool for individuals under age 21. The policy aims to clarify who can administer the tool and how the results must be used.

Under the proposed policy:

• The MichiCANS screener must be completed by certified raters from MDHHS-designated child-serving systems, including:
  • Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
  • Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs)
  • Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs)
  • Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs)

Raters must complete training and certification in the use of the MichiCANS tool.

• Once a screening is completed:
  • PIHPs, CMHSPs, CCBHCs and Medicaid Health Plans must accept and use the MichiCANS screener ratings and eligibility determination results.
  • These entities may not require a repeat screener within one year.
  • PIHPs, CMHSPs and CCBHCs must accept and use existing MichiCANS Comprehensive ratings as part of the intake and assessment process.

MDHHS is offering free, live virtual training sessions for qualified mental health providers. Providers must complete a registration form to receive training details. The training is eligible for CME/CEU credits and must be completed in the following sequence:

• Transformational Collaborative Outcomes Management Orientation
• MichiCANS Overview
• MichiCANS Certification Course

MDHHS is accepting public comments on the proposed policy through Aug. 12. A final policy is expected to be issued following the review period, with an effective date of Oct. 1.

Questions should be directed to MDHHS. Providers are encouraged to subscribe to the Mental Health Framework listserv for updates.

Members with questions may contact MHA Policy Team at the MHA.

Phone: (517) 323-3443
Fax: (517) 323-0946

Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628