Quality Improvement Information Notices

QA IN 24-03 – March 1, 2024

  • 24-03 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Med-Cal
  • 24-03 (A.1) Use of Phone Location
  • 24-03 (A.2) TCM/ICC Code Updates
  • 24-03 (A.3) Use of ICC and IHBS Codes for Pathways Clients
  • 24-03 (A.4) Duration Must Be Entered for Progress Notes in Avatar
  • 24-03 (B) Updates to 274 and Monthly MHP Staff Tracking Processes
  • 24-03 (C) Requirements Regarding Communications with Individuals with Disabilities
  • 24-03 (D) New Calendar Codes in Avatar
  • 24-03 (E) Updated Avatar Progress Note Report

QA IN 24-02 – February 1, 2024

  • 24-02 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Med-Cal
  • 24-02 (A.1) DHCS Clarification on Billing Without Client Present
  • 24-02 (A.2) Requirements Regarding Psychotherapy Add-On Function in Avatar (COUNTY, CONTRACTORS USING AVATAR, AND CONTRACTORS USING THE CONTRACTOR SERVICE ENTRY FORM IN AVATAR)
  • 24-02 (A.3) Comprehensive Medication Codes Require Accurate Location Code Selection
  • 24-02 (B) DHCS Change In Terminology From Medi-Cal Beneficiary to Medi-Cal Member
  • 24-02 (C) Telehealth Details and Reminders
  • 24-02 (D) Lockout Parameters for Member’s at BACS CRT
  • 24-02 (E) Quality Assurance Office Hours in February
  • 24-02 (F) Consent and Minors
  • 24-02 (G) Preparation for DHCS Triennial County Engagement in 2024
  • 24-02 (H) Verbal Consent for Telehealth Form in Avatar
  • 24-02 (I) Update to Crisis Intervention Tool Form

QA IN 24-01 – January 1, 2024
  • 24-01 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Med-Cal
  • 24-01 (A.1) Updated BHIN 23-068 Regarding CalAIM Documentation Redesign
  • 24-01 (A.2) CalAIM Payment Reform Regroup Sessions Follow-Up Resources and Recordings
  • 24-01 (B) MHP Beneficiary Handbook Updated and Posted
  • 24-01 (C) Health Information Exchange (HIE) Internal Opt-Out Process
  • 24-01 (D) Changes to Processes for Involuntary Detentions and Certification Hearings

QA IN 23-12 - December 1, 2023

  • 23-12 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Med-Cal
  • 23-12 (A.1) CalAIM Payment Reform Regroup Sessions
  • 23-12 (A.2) BHIN 23-068 - Updates to Documentation Requirements for all Specialty Mental Health Services 
  • 23-12 (A.3) Case Conference CPT Codes
  • 23-12 (A.4) New Location Code Requirements
  • 23-12 (B) Updated Requirements for Written Records of Antipsychotic Medications Informed Consent for Voluntary Patients
  • 23-12 (C) Contractor Programs Process to Report Student Trainees
  • 23-12 (D) Updated Scanning Guidance
  • 23-12 (E) Changes to Avatar Progress Note Forms
  • 23-12 (F) Updates to Report 118 PSC Caseload and PM Caseload Report


QA IN 23-11 - November 1, 2023

  • 23-11 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 23-11 (A.1) Updated Codes for Contracts
  • 23-11 (B) Updates to Beneficiary Handbooks
  • 23-11 (C) Report 171A Authorization Listing
  • 23-11 (D) Report 352 Documents in Draft by Staff

QA IN 23-10 - October 1, 2023

  • 23-10 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 23-10 (A.1) Reminder Regarding Location Accuracy and CPT Codes
  • 23-10 (A.2) Reminder to Stop Using Old Service Codes
  • 23-10 (A.3) Documentation and Travel Times Required on Progress Notes
  • 23-10 (A.4) Collaborative Documentation Training
  • 23-10 (B) Updated Solano Documentation Manual
  • 23-10 (C) NACT for Fiscal Year 23-24
  • 23-10 (D) myHealthPointe Pilot
  • 23-10 (E) Health Information Exchange (HIE)
  • 23-10 (F) New Face Sheet Coming Soon in Avatar - Report 117 Face Sheet

QA IN 23-09 - September 1, 2023

  • 23-09 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 23-09 (A.1) Updated Solano Outpatient Program CPT Code List
  • 23-09 (A.2) List of Billing Codes by Provider Type
  • 23-09 (A.3) G2212 Maximum Minutes
  • 23-09 (A.4) Assessment Codes and Scope of Practice
  • 23-09 (A.5) IHBS Clarifications
  • 23-09 (B) AB1278 Physician Notice to Clients - Open Payments Database
  • 23-09 (C) Signature Requirements on Mental Health Forms & Change in Medication Consent Requirement
  • 23-09 (D) Valid Email Address Required for Avatar Access

QA IN 23-08 - August 1, 2023

  • 23-08 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 23-08 (A.1) Clarifications for Billable Time When Receiving a New Case
  • 23-08 (A.2) Billing/Service Code Selection
  • 23-08 (A.3) Clarification for Comprehensive Medication Service (Telephone - Audio Only) (99441)
  • 23-08 (A.4) Group Progress Note in Avatar
  • 23-08 (A.5) Clarifications Regarding Student Trainees
  • 23-08 (A.6) Guidance for Avatar Scheduling Calendar Codes
  • 23-08 (A.7) New Codes for Certified Peer Support Specialists (PSS)
  • 23-08 (B) Beneficiary Appeal Reminders
  • 23-08 (C) Solano County Audits FY 23-24
  • 23-08 (D) Compliance Training Basics & HIPS Training Available for Yearly Requirement
  • 23-08 (E) IHBS Authorization Clarification
  • 23-08 (F) myHealthPointe Updates
  • 23-08 (G) Protective Orders Policy Posted

QA IN 23-07 - July 1, 2023

  • 23-07 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal - Payment Reform
  • 23-07 (B) Updated Staff Master Form
  • 23-07 (C) Individual Progress Note CalAIM23 and Medication Progress Note CalAIM23 in Avatar for Payment Reform

QA IN 23-06 - June 1, 2023

  • 23-06 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 23-06 (A.1) Taxonomy Confirmation for All Billing/Credentialed Providers
  • 23-06 (A.2) Payment Reform Updates – CPT Codes
  • 23-06 (B) Protective Orders and Minor Client Information
  • 23-06 (C) Updated Telehealth Guidance from DHCS
  • 23-06 (D) Monthly Test Call Assignments
  • 23-06 (E) Updated Medi-Cal Beneficiary Handbook
  • 23-06 (F) Comprehensive Quality Strategies
  • 23-06 (G) Guide to Document Types and Naming Conventions for Contractor Uploads
  • Updates to Previous QA IN Item 23-05 (B.3)

QA IN 23-05 - May 1, 2023

  • 23-05(A) COVID-19 Updates - Telehealth Federal Pandemic Waiver Ending
  • 23-05(B) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 23-05 (B.1) DHCS CalAIM Technical Assistance Audit Feedback 
  • 23-05 (B.2) Payment Reform Updates
  • 23-05 (B.3) Clarification of Service Code Location Codes for Client and Provider
  • 23-05 (B.4) Clarification - Updated Version of Telehealth Consent Required for Both Current and New Clients
  • 23-05(C) Updated Notice of Adverse Benefits Determination (NOABD) Reference Guide and NOABD Policy
  • 23-05(D) Assessment Form & Details for Transitional Age Youth
  • 23-05(E) Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) Signatures
  • 23-05(F) Annual Consumer Perception Surveys

QA IN 23-04 - April 1, 2023

  • 23-04(A) COVID-19 Updates
  • 23-04(B) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 23-04(C) Beacon Name Change - Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 23-04(D) Transportation for Medi-Cal Clients
  • 23-04(E) Data Exchange and Interoperability
  • 23-04(F) BBS Updates
  • 23-04(G) Updates to Individual Progress Note CalAIM22
  • 23-04(H) Report 246C Care Plan CalAIM22

QA IN 23-03 - March 1, 2023

  • 23-02 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Med-Cal
  • 23-03 (A.1) Payment Reform and CPT Codes
  • 23-03 (A.2) Clarification for Programs to Complete Their Own Care Plans
  • 23-03 (B) Updated Beneficiary Handbook & Beneficiary Notification
  • 23-03 (C) Process for Grievances That Indicate Discrimination
  • 23-03 (D) SMHS Considerations With the End of Covid-19 Public Health Emergency
  • 23-03 (E) 274 Update – New Language Description Attachment

QA IN 23-02 - February 2, 2023

  • 23-02 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Med-Cal
  • 23-02 (A.1) CalAIM - Universal Screening Tools Training and Resources
  • 23-02 (A.2) Requirements to include ICC on Care Plans
  • 23-02 (B) Peer Support Services (PSS) Updates
  • 23-02 (B.1) PSS Grandparenting and Implementation of Program Curriculum - Extended Deadline
  • 23-02 (B.2) PSS Program Certification Updates and Requirements
  • 23-02 (B.3) PSS Certification Programs Oversight
  • 23-02 (C) DHCS FY 22-23 Protocol Reasons for Recoupment
  • 23-02 (D) AB2275 - 5150 and Emergency Departments
  • UPDATES TO PREVIOUS QA IN - Replacement to QA IN 22-09 (A)

QA IN 23-01 - January 1, 2023

  • 23-01 (A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-cal
  • 23-01(A.1) CalAIM - Universal Screening & Transitions Tools: Live January 1, 2023
  • 23-01(A.2) CalAIM - Transition of Care Tool Training and Resources
  • 23-01(A.3) CalAIM BHQIP Update
  • 23-01(B) Expired Diagnosis Codes and Corrections Moving Forward
  • 23-01(C) Solano County Audit Process Updates for FY 22-23
  • 23-01(D) Notification of Employee or Provider Termination or Separation
  • 23-01(E) Updated Beneficiary Notice Regarding Medical Doctor Licensing
  • 23-01(F) Email Field for Valid Email Only in Avatar Admission & Update Client Data Forms
  • 23-01(G) Importance of Staff/Supervisor Management of Avatar Forms in Draft

QA IN 22-12 - December 1, 2022

  • 22-12 (A.1) CalAIM - Universal Screening & Transition Tools: Going Live January 1, 2023
  • 22-12 (A.2) CalAIM - Guidance for First Billed Service After Assessment
  • 22-12 (B) Reminder QA Monthly Clinical Medi-Cal Documentation Training Required for All New Staff
  • 22-12 (C) Updated Serious Incident Reporting (SIR) Reference Guide
  • 22-12 (D) Problem Resolution Reporting Process
  • 22-12 (E) 274 Reporting Monthly Requests
  • 22-12 (F) New BBS Telehealth Training Requirement 
  • 22-12 (G) New Avatar Medication Progress Note CalAIM22 

QA IN 22-11 - November 1, 2022

  • 22-11(A.1) CalAIM - CalAIM Implementation BHQIP Update
  • 22-11(A.2) CalAIM - "Downtime" CalAIM Assessment Forms Available
  • 22-11(B) Solano County Audit Process for FY 22-23
  • 22-11(C) DHCS BHIN 22-045 Enforcement Actions
  • 22-11(D) Updated Combined Consent Forms
  • 22-11(E) Updates to Vaccination, Testing & Masking Requirements for Behavioral Health Facilities
  • 22-11(F) New CalAIM Adult Assessment
  • 22-11(G) Avatar Notification When Entering Diagnosis

QA IN 22-10 - October 1, 2022

  • 22-10(A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • Updates to Previous QA IN
  • 22-10(B) Retiring Old Forms Now Being Replaced By CalAIM
  • 22-10(C) Updates to Individual Progress Note CalAIM22
  • 22-10(D) Youth Assessment CalAIM22

QA IN 22-09 - September 1, 2022

  • 22-09(A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 22-09(B) Expired Diagnosis Codes and Corrections Moving Forward
  • 22-09(C) New Quality Assurance Email
  • 22-09(D) New Clinical Avatar Forms

QA IN 22-08 - August 1, 2022

  • 22-08(A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 22-08(B) Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
  • 22-08(C) Clinical Avatar Forms

QA IN 22-07 - July 1, 2022

  • 22-07(A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 22-07(B) Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement
  • 22-07(C) Updated Requirements for Telehealth Consent 
  • 22-07(D) Monthly Test Call Assignments 22-23 
  • 22-07(E) Language Link
  • 22-07(F) 274 Provider Network Data Reporting
  • 22-07(G) New Telehealth Platform for County
  • 22-07(H) Middle Name Entry in Avatar Client Form
  • Updates to Previous QA IN

QI IN 22-06 - June 1, 2022

  • 22-06(A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 22-06(B) Peer Support Services (PSS) – Updates & Certification
  • 22-06(C) Behavioral Medical Coordination
  • 22-06(D) Requirements for Updating Staff Forms
  • 22-06(E) NPI Service Location Updates and Instructions

QI IN 22-05 - May 1, 2022

  • 22-05(A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 22-05(B) NOABD Updates & Reference Guide
  • 22-05(C) NACT for Fiscal Year 22-23
  • 22-05(D) Updated Acknowledgement of Receipt and BBS Notice to Clients
  • 22-05(E) Consumer Perception Surveys May 16-20, 2022

QI IN 22-04 - April 1, 2022

  • 22-04(A) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 22-04(B) Board of Behavioral Sciences Updates
  • 22-04(C) Consumer Perception Survey
  • 22-04(D) 274 Provider Network Data Process & Request
  • 22-04(E) Solano County Diversity & Equity Plan - Executive Summary
  • 22-04(F) Onboarding Documentation Training for Psychiatric Providers
  • 22-04(G) Notice of Billing Error (NOBE) Form Update

QI IN 22-03 - March 1, 2022

  • 22-03(A) COVID-19 Exceptions Updates 
  • 22-03(B) Solano Behavioral Health Plan (BHP)
  • 22-03(C) Progress Note Location Code Updates
  • 22-03(D) External Quality Review Organization (EQRO) Review for Solano County Behavioral Health
  • 22-03(E) Group Services Documentation Training
  • 22-03(F) Tracking Reporting Units in Avatar


QI IN 22-02 - February 1, 2022

  • 22-02(A) Updated Vaccination Requirements for Behavioral Health Facilities 
  • 22-02(B) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 22-02(C) New Documentation Guidelines from DHCS
  • 22-02(D) New Link for Submitting Electronic Serious Incident Reports (SIR)

QI IN 22-01 - January 1, 2022

  • 22-01(A) Updated Vaccination Requirements for Behavioral Health Facilities 
  • 22-01(B) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal 
  • 22-01(C) DHCS Triennial Audit Preliminary Feedback 
  • 22-01(D) Quality Improvement Annual Training 
  • 22-01(E) Clinical Practice Guidelines Available to Staff & Clients 
  • 22-01(F) Medi-Cal Rx and Order Connect Updates


QI IN 21-07 - December 1, 2021

  • 21-07(A) COVID-19 Exceptions Updates
  • 21-07(B) BBS CE Requirement Waiver Expiration
  • 21-07(C) CalAIM - California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 21-07(D) New Telehealth/Telephone Billing Modifiers & Guidance
  • 21-07(E) RFP for New County Mental Health Facility
  • 21-07(F) Special Population Tracking Form Updated Instructions


QI IN 21-06 - November 1, 2021 

  • 21-06(A) COVID-19 Exceptions Updates
  • 21-06(B) Mobile Crisis Expansion 
  • 21-06(C) Medi-Cal Certification Program Update Form
  • 21-06(D) Keeping Beneficiary Information Safe & Confidential
  • 21-06(E) Billing ICC, IHBS & TFC Reminders
  • 21-06(F) Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
  • 21-06(G) Important Steps for Scanning Universal Assessment & Client Service Plan (CSP)

QI IN 21-05 - October 1, 2021

  • 21-05(A) COVID-19 Exceptions Updates
  • 21-05(B) CalAIM California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 21-05(C) Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification

QI IN 21-04 - September 1, 2021

  • 21-04(A) COVID-19 Exceptions Updates
  • 21-04(B) Vaccination, Testing, & Mask Requirements for Behavioral Health Facilities
  • 21-04(C) CalAIM California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 21-04(D) Updates to MHP Audit Process for 21/22 Due to CalAIM
  • 21-04(E) DHCS Triennial Chart Audit & System Review Preparation
  • 21-04(F) County Access to Services Webpage
  • 21-04(G) Medi-Cal Rx Transition

QI IN 21-03 - August 1, 2021

  • 21-03(A) COVID-19 Exceptions Updates
  • 21-03(B) Urgent Service Timeliness Change from 72 to 48 Hours
  • 21-03(C) CalAIM California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal
  • 21-03(D) Language Link Virtual Remote Interpretation (VRI)
  • 21-03(E) Access Line Test Calls and Test Call Schedules

QI IN 21-02 - July 1, 2021

  • 21-02(A) Mobile Crisis Service Programs
  • 21-02(B) Family Urgent Response System - FURS
  • 21-02(C) Telehealth and Face-to-Face Codes
  • 21-02(D) Referral for Psych Services in Avatar
  • 21-02(E) New Language Drop Down List for Progress Notes

QI IN 21-01 - June 1, 2021

  • 21-01(A) DHCS Updates: Consumer Perception Surveys & NACT
  • 21-01(B) Included Diagnosis Updates
  • 21-01(C) Reporting Provider Misconduct
  • 21-01(D) Avatar Assessment Locator
  • 21-01(E) Update to CSP 2020 Instructions