CMS Issues Information Bulletin on Mental Health, Substance Abuse in Schools

ANCOR is sharing this announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) because some of our members offer supports to people with both intellectual / developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health needs, including children in schools. Additionally, our members form one of the main networks to which youths with disabilities (including those dually diagnosed with mental health needs) transition after school. As such, the Bulletin’s recommendations for positive behavioral interventions and for coordination between schools and providers are particularly relevant.

As written by CMS:

“Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are issuing a joint Informational Bulletin that describes Medicaid mandatory and optional state plan benefits and other Medicaid authorities that states may use to cover mental illness and substance use related treatment services delivered to eligible children in school-based settings.  The Informational Bulletin also provides states and school systems with best practices and information about resources that will facilitate implementation of quality, evidence-based, comprehensive mental illness and substance use related services for students. 

The joint Informational Bulletin includes tools and resources to help states, educational agencies, and providers work together to identify and adequately treat students’ mental illness or substance related challenges in school-based settings.

CIB: Information to States and School Systems on Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Schools”