Charter for DHS Core Integration Team

The purpose of the DHS Core Integration Team is as follows:

To provide a broad base of input to create the Department’s working plan to integrate physical and dental health, mental health and addictions services. The Team will prioritize and review key topic areas that present barriers and/or that present opportunities and needs for systematic integration of health services administered by DHS. The goal of integrated services is not only to improve and simplify administrative functions but also to improve health and wellness for DHS clients through integrated health services.

The group will assist the department in identifying state and federal regulatory changes that would promote full integration of physical health, mental health and addiction services.

The group is composed of DHS staff from each of the Divisions involved including Division of Medical Assistance Programs, Addictions and Mental Health, Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, Public Health and other Divisions as needed. Other members will include 20% mental health consumers (consistent with SB 364), representatives of Fully Capitated Health Plans, Mental Health Organizations, Dental Care Organizations, Community Mental Health Programs, professional organizations (such as the OMA, Oregon Psychiatric Association, Oregon Pediatric Society, etc.), Rural Health Centers, Tribal Health Centers and other providers of care and advocates.

The Core Team will collaborate with and offer technical assistance to and make recommendations and requests to the existing decision-making and advisory groups within DHS for FCHPs, MHOs, CMHPs, the Local Government Advisory Council, etc. The Core Team may also take assignments from these groups which require a broader-based review of issues than any single group can provide.

The Core Team will review issues related to all age groups, ethnic and cultural communities, and health disparity populations.

The Core Team will meet on a monthly basis led by Bob Nikkel, Special Assistant to the DHS Director.