I. PURPOSE
| | To ensure the quality and appropriateness of care delivered to clients/members of the mental health system meets or exceeds the established local, state, and federal service standards, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) is dedicated to implementing a comprehensive evaluation and improvement strategy. This strategy will leverage various methodologies, tools, and frameworks designed to rigorously assess our current service delivery and identify areas for enhancement. DMH will employ quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather actionable insights into the quality, access, and timeliness of the services provided. Tools such as client/member perception surveys, feedback forms, and service performance metrics will be integral in its evaluative processes.
To define the structure and process of the Quality Improvement (QI) Program within the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH).
To comply with standards set by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) through the Mental Health Plan Contract.
Contracted agencies shall develop internal policies and associated procedures that are consistent with their organizational practices and meet the requirements set forth in this policy.
| II. DEFINITION
| Quality Improvement (QI) Program: A comprehensive, client/consumer-centered initiative that involves a collaborative effort among leadership, management, and direct service staff to create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement using data and QI best-practice techniques. This program is structured around a clear framework that delineates the roles and responsibilities of all participants, ensuring active engagement and accountability at every level of the department.
| | III. POLICY | | The DMH QI Program has a shared responsibility with its contract providers and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of service, delivery framework, and disposition. This is achieved by establishing processes for continuous improvement of services and by resolving service and foundational issues through systematized evaluation and feedback loops tailored to available resources.
Management Responsibilities: -
The QI Program shall be under the general auspices of the Deputy Director of the Quality, Outcomes, and Training Division (QOTD). The QOTD includes the QI Unit, the Quality Assurance Unit, the Training Unit, inclusive of Workforce Education and Development programs. -
The QI Program is responsible for ensuring provider compliance with Departmental quality improvement practice standards and guidance. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with all mandated QI requirements, and policies and procedures that impact quality of care. | | Contracted Agency Responsibilities: -
Contracted agencies must develop and implement internal policies that align with DMH QI Program standards. This includes establishing a dedicated QI team within the agency to oversee compliance and continuous improvement efforts. -
Agencies should integrate QI processes into their existing operational framework, ensuring that QI initiatives complement and enhance organizational practices. For example, if an agency strongly focuses on community-based interventions, its QI efforts should include measures to assess and improve community engagement and outcomes. -
Contracted agencies are required to attend Regional Quality Improvement Committees (QICs) and to adopt the following guidelines to ensure consistency with DMH policies: | IV. PROCEDURES
| Procedures - Quality Improvement Program
| | V. AUTHORITIES
| | | V. ATTACHMENT
| No attachments are associated with this policy.
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