CLINICAL QUALITY OF CARE – PRACTICE PARAMETERS 

Office of the Chief Medical Officer 
Clinical Operations 


Guidelines for the Use of DMH Practice Parameters

Clinical Practice Parameters
 
Category: Clinical Practice Parameters
Published Date: August 2022
  1. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) parameters identify critical factors to be considered in the provision of care.
     
    1. Parameters are not comprehensive treatment guidelines.
       
    2. Ongoing training and regular review of relevant literature are essential for the provision of quality service delivery.
       
    3. Practitioner in-depth knowledge and clinical skills should result from on-going training and review of literature.
       
  2. These parameters:
     
    1. Represent the consensus among DMH practitioners, clinicians, and other experts within each specific scope of practice.
       
    2. Apply regardless of the funding source for the treatment.
       
    3. Encourage consultation, monitoring, and supervision directly at each clinical site.
       
    4. Continue to evolve and must be supplemented by continuous education and training.
       
    5. Reflect current interpretations of best practices and may change as new information and interventions become available.
       
  3. These parameters are NOT:
     
    1. A substitute for the dialogue, self-direction, and respect for clients that are at the core of sound mental health recovery practice.
       
    2. Absolute, but practice outside of such parameters requires special justification, documentation, and consultation.
       
    3. Removed entirely from administrative locations which provide authority such as an audit.
       
  4. The specialized technical and interpersonal skills required by these parameters mandate specific education and supervision for all practitioners.
     
  5. Changes in current individual treatment regimens made for the purpose of conformity with these parameters should be initiated only after careful consideration of the original reasons for the current treatment, and collaboration with other providers for that client.
     
  6. Special efforts must be undertaken to respect the unique values, spiritual beliefs, lifestyles, cultural and personal experiences, and autonomy of clients that are at the core of quality mental health care.