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Contracts and Payment update - 5-20-2013
Contracts and Payment update - 10-3-2012
One component of the COMPASS Project is Contracts and Payment. AMH's current contract management system is outdated and not well supported. As we move forward with better integrated systems, AMH has invested in the creation of a contracts management module that will reside within the existing OWITS system (also platform for an electronic health records system). Payments will be made through the Client Employed Provider system (CEP), an existing system that currently makes payments for home care and other personal services. This new process will allow AMH to better manage and report on contracts.
Beginning January 2013, AMH will begin using the newly created OWITS Contracts Management module and paying for all flexible funding contracts with Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) through CEP. This will not include residential services, as they will remain for the time being in the old system, known as R-Base.
Currently, COMPASS and AMH staff are working to finalize the requirements for the contract management module and determining how to interface between other state required systems. FEi (our contractor) is beginning the design phase for the contract management module. In the next few months (September), AMH will begin testing the newly designed module and in October/November the module will be "piloted" by three voluntary LMHA contractors. The three voluntary contractors will also assist the COMPASS staff in determining what reports will be needed through the OWITS system to reconcile outcomes for accountability.
In late winter or early spring of 2013, draft LMHAs contracts financial information will be available through the OWITS system for viewing. When the contracts are executed the information will no longer be draft.
The first payments using the new system and process will be made in July 2013. OWITS will house not only the contract financial information including amendments, but also the payment information from CEP. This will allow the LMHAs to track amendments to their financials and to know what funding is included in each payment they receive.
The Contracts and Payment component of the COMPASS project is a phased project. After the contract management module is complete and implemented, COMPASS project staff will begin the design and implementation of additional modules. Personal Service Contracts (PSKs) and other contracts will eventually move into the OWITS contract management module with an estimated timeline of January 2014.
For more information, contact Sharon Anderson at Sharon.l.anderson@state.or.us |