Provider Communication Bulletin #158 – Partners Health Management

In This Bulletin:

Holiday Closing Announcement

Partners Health Management will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day), and Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. We will resume regular operations on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a non-medical emergency during this time, help is available. Please call our Crisis Help Line at 1-833-353-2093 for immediate assistance. Our team is available to help 24 hours a day, every day.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday!

SUD Treatment Providers Needed for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Partners is issuing a modified Request for Proposals (RFP) – RFP #1124-001 – to identify a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program provider for pregnant and postpartum women within its 15-county region.

This program, funded through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPTBG) for Women’s Set Aside Funds, will support women aged 18 and older with a primary substance use disorder diagnosis who are pregnant, have a dependent child under 18 or are seeking custody of a child under 18.

The selected provider must deliver comprehensive services, including assessment, treatment initiation, engagement, continuity of care, relapse prevention and recovery support using evidence-based, gender-responsive practices.

Proposals must meet SAPTBG requirements, excluding crisis and detox services. The RFP submission deadline is Jan. 10, 2025, with FAQs available on the Partners website by Dec. 13, 2024.

For more details, click here to read the full RFP announcement.

Send questions to PNDevelopment@partnersbhm.org.

Partners’ Current Service Needs

Partners has identified the following needs in the service network:

Clinically Managed Residential Withdrawal Services is a facility-based service with 24-hour supervision, support and peer-driven care for individuals experiencing moderate withdrawal symptoms. A physician available around the clock oversees clinical protocols to ensure safe and comfortable withdrawal from alcohol and other substances, facilitating the transition to ongoing treatment and recovery. Providers are needed across the Partners 15-county service area.

Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE) is a comprehensive assessment ordered by the clerk of court to identify an individual’s competency in guardianship proceedings. It includes current medical, psychological and social work evaluations and may involve professionals from other disciplines such as education, vocational rehabilitation and psychiatry. Qualified providers conduct the evaluations, covering various aspects of the respondent’s cognitive and functional capacity. Providers are needed across the Partners 15-county service area.

Partial Hospitalization for adult/child-adolescent (PH) is a short-term service for acutely mentally ill individuals, offering a wide range of intensive therapeutic approaches such as group and individual therapy, recreational activities, community living skills training and medical services. It is designed to prevent hospitalization or serve as a step for those leaving an inpatient facility with physician involvement distinguishing it from Day Treatment Services. Providers are needed within Iredell County for NC Medicaid Direct.

Outpatient Opioid Treatment is a service that uses methadone or other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs alongside rehabilitation and medical services to help individuals with opioid addiction. It is a tool in the detoxification and rehabilitation process and may be billed to provide maintenance or detoxification services for those diagnosed with opioid use disorder. Providers are needed in Union County for NC Medicaid Direct and Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plan (Tailored Plan).

Cognitive Rehabilitation (TBI Waiver) is an individual therapy to develop thinking skills to improve functional abilities, including attention, memory and problem-solving and to help spot impaired thinking. Providers are needed across the Partners 15-county service area for NC Medicaid Direct and Tailored Plan.

Non-Hospital Medical Detoxification provides 24-hour medically supervised evaluation and withdrawal management with medical and nursing professionals. This service is offered in permanent facilities, either hospital-connected or freestanding with 16 beds or fewer. Providers must coordinate with Partners for state-funded services and obtain necessary service orders. Providers are needed across the Partners 15-county service area for NC Medicaid Direct and Tailored Plan.

For more information and next steps to provide any of the above Service Needs, visit Partners’ Current Service Needs Page. To learn more about these opportunities, email PNDevelopment@PartnersBHM.org.

PDL and Pharmacy Prior Authorization (PA) Requests

The Partners Pharmacy team offers strategies to help providers reduce prescription claim denials and prior authorization (PA) rejections, improving medication access and minimizing provider frustration. These tips focus on:

Reducing PA denials caused by incomplete information.
Selecting clinically appropriate medications from the preferred drug list (PDL).
Preventing costly delays, duplicative reviews and appeals.

Preferred Drug List (PDL) Guidance

Before prescribing, check the NC Medicaid PDL to select preferred medications that do not require PA. Non-preferred alternatives are often more costly without proven clinical benefits. Categories with red headings indicate additional clinical criteria, which must be documented on the correct PA form.

Brand vs. Generic Medications

For PDL classes where a preferred brand is available over a non-preferred generic, providers requesting PA for the non-preferred generic must give a clinical rationale. Preferred brands typically bypass PA requirements. A complete list of these medications is available in the NC Medicaid Pharmacy Newsletter.

Submitting a PA Request

Key Steps:

Read and complete all sections of the PA form, including any attestation statements.
Attach required clinical documentation.
Forms are available on Partners’ website.
For assistance, contact 1-877-817-2184.

Submission Options:

Electronic: Use an EPA platform like “Cover My Meds” (fastest method).
Fax: Specialty PA: 833-896-0652 | Non-Specialty PA: 866-255-7569.
Phone: Call CVS at 1-877-817-2184.

Requests for Additional Information:

If CVS requests additional information, submit the requested documentation to CVS within 24 hours to avoid administrative denials.

Clinical Category Tips:

Anti-epileptic agents: For seizure disorders, include the diagnosis on the prescription to access both preferred and non-preferred medications.
A+KIDS: Submit safety documentation using the A+KIDS PA form for antipsychotics prescribed to children under 18.
Adult antipsychotic use: For adults with specific severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) diagnoses, include “Meets PA Criteria” handwritten on the prescription or in e-prescription comments to bypass PA for preferred antipsychotics. Requests for non-preferred agents require a PA. The qualifying diagnoses include:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizophreniform disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Delusional disorder
- Brief psychotic disorder
- Shared psychotic disorder
- Psychotic disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
- Treatment resistant depression (antipsychotic use for TRD is adjunctive only
- Tourette syndrome
- Other psychoses
Hepatitis C: PA is not required for Mavyret® or generic for Epclusa®
Opioid partial agonist Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): Preferred agents not requiring PA include:
- Brixadi™, buprenorphine-naloxone SL tablet (Suboxone®), Suboxone® SL Film, Sublocade® syringe.

Avoiding Overpayment and Ensuring Compliance for BCBA

To prevent overpayment, make sure that Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) who conduct assessments or treatment plans are both licensed and enrolled in North Carolina. Also, ensure services are billed using the correct licensed professional’s National Provider Identifier (NPI).

Understanding the scope of your BCBA’s eligibility to deliver and bill for services is key to avoiding costly overpayment issues. North Carolina Clinical Coverage Policy (CCP) 8F outlines the Research-Based Behavioral Health Treatments (RB-BHT) available to members with autism spectrum disorder and identifies eligible providers. CCP 8F, Section 6 explains specific guidelines for billing procedures, products and services.

To be eligible to bill for services under CCP 8F, providers must:

Meet Medicaid qualifications for participation
Have a current and signed N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Provider Administrative Participation Agreement
Bill only for services within the scope of their clinical practice as defined by their licensing entity

Key Changes for BCBAs in North Carolina

In North Carolina, BCBAs have been authorized to participate in RB-BHT assessments and treatment planning. As of April 2023, NCDHHS introduced a new taxonomy code (103K00000X) for BCBAs, and the NC Behavioral Analyst Licensing Board (NCBLAB) began accepting licensing applications in July 2023. This allowed providers to bill for certain BCBA-provided services using the BCBA’s own NPI and taxonomy code.

In March and April 2024, NCDHHS further clarified BCBA licensing , supervision and billing requirements. The April 2024 update, Update and Clarification to New Taxonomy and Supervision Requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analysts, specified that BCBAs must use taxonomy code 103K00000X under the Level II taxonomy for enrollment and billing. This also requires a current certification number and Behavior Analyst license in compliance with NC regulations.

Important Considerations

North Carolina prohibits “incident to” billing (i.e., billing under another professional’s NPI for services provided by a BCBA) since at least September 2016 (refer to LME/MCO JCB #J218). Providers must ensure BCBAs are both licensed and enrolled in North Carolina before billing. Billing under another licensed professional’s NPI for unlicensed or unenrolled BCBAs could lead to repayment demands. Additionally, licensed professionals in North Carolina should not co-sign assessments or treatment plans they did not develop.

IRIS Incident Reporting Reminders

All providers of publicly funded services are required to submit Level II and Level III incident reports in the North Carolina Incident Response Improvement Center (IRIS) within 72 hours of becoming aware of the event. This applies to:

Category A Providers: Providers of publicly funded services licensed under NC General Statutes 122C, except hospitals.
Category B Providers: Providers of publicly funded non-licensed periodic or community-based mental health, developmentally disabled and/or substance abuse services.

Key Requirements:

Timely Reporting:
Level II and Level III incidents must be reported in IRIS within 72 hours of discovering the incident.
Immediate Notification for Level III Incidents:
Level III incidents must be reported to Partners immediately. For Partners members, notifications can be sent to IRIS@PartnersBHM.org.
Accurate Demographic Information:
Ensure all demographic details are complete and accurate, including:
- Correct spelling of the member’s name
- Date of birth
- Host Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) County (County where services are provided)
- Home County (County where the member’s Medicaid originates)
- Member’s LME/MCO number
- Client Record Number
- CNDS ID
- Medicaid ID
Documentation Submission:
Submit all requested documentation within five business days from the date of the request.
Provider Contact Information:
Provide the name, phone number and email address of the appropriate staff or supervisor in all IRIS reports to allow Partners to reach you if needed.
Daily IRIS Report Follow-Up:
Check your submitted IRIS reports daily for any comments, follow-up requests or documentation needs from Partners.

Additional Resources:

For virtual IRIS training, register here.
To schedule an in-person IRIS training, email IRIS@PartnersBHM.org.

Claims Information

Providers are reminded to contact the Claims Department at ClaimsDepartment@PartnersBHM.org for all claims related questions. To avoid delays in receiving a response, please do not contact individual claims staff directly.

Alpha+ Portal University is an available resource and guide for navigating Alpha+. If you need additional claims training, email ClaimsDepartment@PartnersBHM.org to schedule a time for training.

Explanation of Benefits requests for Coordination of Benefits Claims

As a reminder, Partners does request copies of the Explanation of Benefits for claims submitted indicating Coordination of Benefits. The request will originate via email from Partners Claims staff. Once requested, please submit the information via secured email prior to the date indicated in the emailed request. If a response is not received, the original claim payment will be recouped.

Reminder: Taxonomy Code 193200000X and 193400000X: Taxonomy Code 193200000X and 193400000X should not be submitted on claims as the rendering taxonomy code. All claims submitted with this taxonomy code as the rendering code will be reverted.

Reminder: Please remember to include all diagnosis codes on claims. This allows Partners to measure member health, identify areas of risk and evaluate the quality of care.

Member/Recipient Eligibility and Enrollment

Providers are encouraged to contact the Eligibility and Enrollment Department at EligibilityEnrollment@PartnersBHM.org for eligibility and enrollment related questions.

To request an enrollment, providers should go to Alpha+ Home Page>Enrollments. University is an available resource for providers as a basic guide for navigating enrollments. For more information, go to University>Provider Portal Handbook>Enrollments.

If additional enrollment training is needed, email EligibilityEnrollment@PartnersBHM.org to schedule one-on-one training. Note that providers will need Microsoft Teams screen sharing capabilities for more provider specific and in-depth training.

Physical Health Claims

Partners Health Management has partnered with Availity®, an independent company, to operate and service our electronic data interchange (EDI) and portal transactions with Carolina Complete Health for Physical Health Claims processing.

The change took place July 1, 2024.

Availity® can now be found in ProviderCONNECT called “Physical Health Claims” under the Quick Links box.

Reminder: Physical Health Paper Claims: Mail to:

Partners Health Management
Attn: Claims
PO Box 8002
Farmington, MO 63640-8002.

Quality Management Updates

UAFL On-Site Review Requirements

Provider Agencies must complete the Partners Unlicensed Alternative Family Living (UAFL) On-Site Review Form before their initial or annual review to ensure compliance and maintain the safety and quality of care in UAFL homes. Any identified issues should be documented on the form, along with corrective actions taken, and submitted with other required documentation during the scheduled review.

While Partners no longer requires site visits for credentialing or re-credentialing, Health and Safety Reviews remain mandatory for UAFL homes per Clinical Coverage Policy 8P and the 1915 (c) Home and Community Based Services Waiver. These reviews must occur within 30 days of the annual review due date and include the Partners UAFL Provider Attestation Form and the Provider Agency Unlicensed AFL (UAFL) On-Site Review Form.

For more details, learn more about UAFL reviews here, or contact the Quality Management Monitoring team at QMMS@PartnersBHM.org.

Recent Provider Alerts

November 5, 2024: IRIS Unavailable on Wednesday, Nov. 6

November 5, 2024: Guidance for Providers on Service Flexibilities

State News and Updates

NCDHHS Resources:

Joint Communication Bulletins, which are issued by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, can be found here.
Medicaid Bulletins: All bulletin articles are available here. Providers are encouraged to frequently review this information.
Medicaid Pharmacy Newsletters are available here.
NCTracks: Providers are encouraged to review NCTracks communications. To subscribe to NCTracks communications, click here.

Training Resource and Collaborative (TRAC)

TRAC offers a centralized cross-functional selection of required training, collaboratives and events. Click here to view what is coming up in the next few months.

Tailored Plan On-Demand Provider Trainings

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) requires the listed trainings be available for providers. This applies to Tailored Plan, Medicaid Direct and State-funded providers. Registering is easy. You will be prompted to enter simple registration information. The on-demand training will then be available immediately or when your schedule allows. Note: Training Reciprocity Among Tailored Plans. NCDHHS is allowing the six LME/MCOs reciprocity for some Tailored Plan-required trainings.

On Demand Trainings:

1915(i) State Plan Amendment Training
On Demand (Register)
This training provides an overview of the 1915(i) Medicaid program, explaining the transition from (b)(3) services to 1915(i), including updates to service codes and care plans. It outlines the process for accessing 1915(i) services, along with key authorization requirements and directs viewers to available resources for further guidance.

CLAS Standards
On Demand (Register)
The Office of Minority Health has established culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) Standards to address health equity, promote cultural competence, and to improve health outcomes. This training will review the fifteen CLAS standards and identify resources and training materials available to providers at no cost on the website, thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov. CEs are not available for this training.

Client Specific Training Webinar
On Demand (Register)
This webinar explains what client specific training is and the requirements indicated in 10A NCAC 27G .0202. Certificates and CEs are not available for this webinar.

Crisis Response Training
On Demand (Register)
Crisis Response Training reviews best practices, requirements and strategies for providers addressing crisis needs. Instruction covers content for before, during and after crisis episodes.

Critical Incident Reporting (CIRT/IRIS) Training
On Demand (Register)
Training on how to complete Critical Incident Reporting (CIRT) using the Incident Response Improvement System (IRIS)

Community Support Team (CST) Service Definition Training
On Demand (Register)
Community Support Team (CST) is a behavioral health support service designed to help people experiencing severe mental illness develop recovery and resiliency-oriented skills. This webinar meets the requirement of three hours of CST Service Definition Training. Registrants will view a previously recorded training that includes two 10-minute breaks. To receive a training certificate, registrants will need to view the full webinar and pass a quiz with a score of 80% or greater. Three contact hours are available for this training. The webinar platform automatically emails the link to the test within 24 hours of viewing the webinar. Tests are reviewed once a week, and certificates are emailed within two weeks. Email Training@PartnersBHM.org if you have any questions.

Due Process
On Demand (Register)
This on-demand webinar covers the following (but not limited to) four dispute types: Medicaid appeals, non-Medicaid appeals, Provider disputes, and Grievances. CEs are not available for this training.

Employer of Record (EOR) Webinar
On Demand (Register)
This webinar provides an overview of Employer of Record (EOR) areas of importance including, monitoring processes, post payment reviews, documentation, staff qualifications, monitoring results, and Quality Management Monitoring Unit contact information. CEs are not available for this training.

Enhanced Rate Request (ERR) Webinar
On Demand (Register)
This on-demand recording contains step-by-step instructions on completing Enhanced Rate Requests (ERR), how to use the cost finding template and how to complete the enhanced rate request form. Register and view the recording on-demand as many times as you wish. To view and save supporting documentation, please click to the left of the video on the paper icon and select each document to download to your computer.

EPSDT
On Demand (Register)
In the EPSDT training, you will learn: What is EPSDT; Partners EPSDT requirements; Periodicity Schedule; Diagnostic and Treatment Components; Medical Necessity Review; Service Coordination (Vaccines for Children, Into the Mouths of Babes, and Developmental Delay and Referral to NC Infant-Toddler Program); and EPSDT components, diagnosis codes, modifiers, referrals, tracking, follow-up and outreach. CEs are not available for this training.

Fraud, Waste and Abuse
On Demand (Register)
This webinar covers (but is not limited to) the following: Regulatory Compliance Program, Types of Health Care Industry Oversight, Partners Program Integrity Department, Program Integrity Department Function Highlights, What are Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA), Potential Areas or examples of FWA and the Impact of FWA on health care. CEs are not available for this training.

Health Disparities: A Tribal Perspective
On Demand (Register)
Addressing Health Disparities Among Marginalized Populations: A Tribal Perspective On-Demand Webinar will review predominant health disparities among tribal members, describe the factors that create health disparities, describe the role that Medicaid Transformation can provide in addressing health disparities, review the Indian Health services eligibility, and review the concepts of cultural humility in supporting tribal communities. CEs are not available for this training.

Into the Mouths of Babes (IMB)
On Demand (Register)
The IMB program trains medical providers on how to provide preventative oral health services to Medicaid-insured children from tooth eruption to age 3 ½ (42 months). The goals of the program include preventing and reducing early childhood tooth decay and increasing referral of high-risk children to a dental home. This training is required before being permitted to receive reimbursement for IMB services. CEs are not available for this training.

Partners Hand Washing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
On Demand (Register)
Participants will gain an understanding of infection control using PPE and frequent handwashing. CEs are not available for this training.

Partners Infection Control: Community Care Settings
On Demand (Register)
Participants will gain an understanding of infection control in the community care setting, which includes learning ways infections are transmitted, standard precautions and how to teach members about infection control procedures. CEs are not available for this training.

Partners Infection Control: Home Care Settings
On Demand (Register)
Participants will gain an understanding of infection control in the home care setting, which includes learning ways infections are transmitted, standard precautions and how to teach members about infection control procedures. CEs are not available for this training.

Prevention and Population Health Management
On Demand (Register)
Partners takes a population-based approach to improve the overall health of Medicaid members and State-funded recipients and collaborates with community partners on targeted initiatives. In this training, you will learn about: Partners Prevention and Population Health Core Philosophies, Program Goals, Partners Prevention and Population Health Approach, Provider Level Interventions and Partners Prevention and Population Health Programs Overview of Provider Expectations. CEs are not available for this training.

Physical Health Providers Update LME/MCO Tailored Plans & Tailored Care Management
On Demand (Register)
Partners Health Management and Carolina Complete Health (CCH) bring a shared vision for true partnerships with all providers across the system of care, which is reflected in our network management model. As the only Provider-Led Entity (PLE), CCH seeks out physician and clinician expertise in medical policy and aims to give providers a voice in how to best care for their patients while reducing administrative burden. Since Partners’ inception as a managed care organization, Partners has executed a strategy of collaboration with providers. Our mutual goal is to aid providers as they offer accessible, robust and effective services for members.

Plan of Correction Training Webinar
On Demand (Register)
This webinar will help providers learn more about the Plan of Correction (POC) process and Partners’ POC policy. It will also explain what Partners expects from POCs and what Partners’ responsibilities are with POCs. Please note, NBCC credit is not available for this webinar.

ProAuth Demonstration, Updated April 2024
On Demand (Register)
This on-demand video is designed to offer providers an overview of the features of Partners’ ProAuth system to enter and manage authorizations. Be sure to download the attached pdf for Submitting Prior Auth Requests once you log into the webinar. CEs are not available for this training.

ProviderCONNECT User Navigation Guide Video
On Demand (Register)
This ProviderCONNECT User Navigation Guide is designed as a brief orientation to portal features following a successful login.

ProviderCONNECT LA Non-Utilizer Report Video
On Demand (Register)
Local administrators should maintain their back-up local administrators (LAs), any additional LAs and general users (GUs) they have set up in the ProviderCONNECT Portal Dashboard. This video will guide providers through that process.

ProviderCONNECT Secure Messages Video
On Demand (Register)
Secure Messages is an app in ProviderCONNECT that enables Partners and providers to exchange messages within the secure portal. This is a step-by-step instructional guide to using the Secure Messages app.

ProviderCONNECT Document Manager Video
On Demand (Register)
Document Manager is an app in ProviderCONNECT that enables Partners to share documents with providers within the secured portal. It also can be used as a file management system for maintaining files within your organization. This is a step-by-step instructional guide to using Document Manager.

Provider SysAid2 Service Ticket Overview Video
On Demand (Register)
This 8-minute video provides you an overview of the Partners SysAid2 Service Ticket System.

Live Trainings (Online or In-Person)

NCSNAP Training
Email Training@PartnersBHM.org to request forms, schedules and instructions and to submit requests.

Motivational Interviewing Training (13-hours)
Dec. 4-5, 2023, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Register)
Join Partners’ Training Resource and Collaborative for this two-day training that will cover the fundamentals of Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a collaborative and goal-oriented evidence-based practice that uses a compassionate, empathetic and direct style of communication to explore and motivate a member’s own reasons for and commitment to change. This training covers the fundamentals of motivational interviewing, the stages of change, the Spirit of MI, the core skills (OARS) required to motivate change, the four tasks of MI, change talk and sustain talk, dancing with discord, and how to put it all together and practice using the skills. This training will be facilitated by MINT trainer, Peter Rives and meets NC service definition requirements for 13 hours of training.

This is a virtual live event which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 4 and 5 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You must attend both full sessions to receive credit. No partial credit will be given. CEs will not be given without visibility on camera. Driving is not permitted during Partners trainings. If you need accommodations to attend this training, please email Training@PartnersBHM.org.

Global Continuous Quality Improvement (GCQI) Meeting – Quarterly
Dec. 6, 2024, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Mar. 7, 2025, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
June 6, 2025, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

GCQI is a collaborative, provider-led, virtual meeting with Partners’ Provider Advisory Council and other stakeholders to identify meaningful, measurable outcomes and make recommendations for the delivery of optimal care for our members. GCQI seeks to collaboratively standardize quality improvement efforts and advance the accessibility, effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of the services provided. This includes promoting high quality services, developing improvement strategies, identifying measurable outcomes and developing tools to measure outcomes and make recommendations.

To register and seek accommodations to participate in the session, please email Training@PartnersBHM.org.

CBT Foundations
Dec. 10 and 12, 2024, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Register)
Trainer: Eric Ottinger, LCAS, LCMHC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced-based practice focusing on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behavior, improving emotional regulation and the development of personal coping strategies that target resolving current problems. Training content covers CBT structure and concepts, assessment of client core beliefs, values and goals which can be linked to treatment, CBT application and plans for future application including action plans to continue learning between sessions. The objectives of the training are to increase the learner’s understanding of CBT structure and concepts, understand ways to identify and modify thinking as a part of effective therapy, increase understanding of how to teach, demonstrate and model skillful behaviors and to learn strategies to obtain commitments from clients.

This virtual live training will take place on Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 10 and 12, 2024, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m., using the same training link on both days. Participants will have to be present with audio and visual capabilities and must be visible on camera for both sessions to receive credit. No Partial credit will be given. NCSAPPB approved for up to 6 hours. If you need accommodation to participate in the training, please email Training@PartnersBHM.org.

Partners Provider Forum – Quarterly
Dec. 11, 2024, 1-3 p.m. (Register)
Partners’ quarterly updates and vital information is shared with providers. Please click on the register button to register for this virtual live event.

Long-Term Community Supports (LTCS) Collaborative
Dec. 12, 2024, 1-2 p.m. (Register)
The LTCS Collaborative is a monthly meeting that is held the second Thursday of each month to discuss operationalizing Partners’ Medicaid In-Lieu of Service – Long Term Community Supports (LTCS). The Collaborative will discuss barriers to accessing the service for potentially eligible members and ensuring continuity and quality of the service the member receives.

Autism Services Learning Collaborative
Dec. 17, 2024, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Register)
Join Utilization Management (UM) to discuss service updates and relevant information. If you need accommodation to participate in the session, email Training@PartnersBHM.org.

CBT Learning Community
Dec. 18, 2024, 2-3:30 p.m. (Register)
CBT Learning Community is a monthly meeting where like-minded providers gather in a learning community to explore skills, concepts, case studies and expand techniques. This learning community will help you learn practical ways to use evidence-based practices in your day-to-day work with members.

What do we do in this learning community: self-care, reduce burnout, professional growth, connection to a community, explore evidence-based practices, gain a sense of mastery, invest in your own emotional bank account, improve in quality of care delivered and learn and practice skills that are reimbursable.

Participants can earn 1.5 contact hours of continuing education credits. You must have audio/video access and be visible on camera during the session. Driving is not permitted during Partners trainings. If you need accommodations to participate in the session, please email Training@PartnersBHM.org.

Provider DEI Collaborative – Quarterly
Jan. 9, 2025, 2-3 p.m. (Register)
The purpose of this quarterly collaborative facilitated by Vickie Smith is to bring awareness and increase conversations related to the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) related to our provider network.

Providers, we would like your participation in this collaborative! Your perspective is vital for health equity initiatives for the members we serve.

The goal of the DEI Provider Collaborative is to ensure that providers have access to the needed resources to serve members through the lens of ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion and to foster better outcomes and improve quality of life for members. To achieve these goals, we must know and understand the different populations we serve.

As we transition to whole person integrated care of our members, it is important that we create actionable strategies to address members’ behavioral, physical and pharmacy care. Consistent provider engagement in these discussions is critical to members’ overall quality of care.

Please register here or on the Partners TRAC page at PartnersTraining.org, and let’s get to work!

Provider Open House
Feb. 6, 2024, 9-10 a.m. (Register)
The Provider Open House is a virtual event that occurs quarterly, the first Thursday of August, November, February and May, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is open to new and existing providers in the Partners Health Management network. You can enter questions in the question/comment box during registration.

The Provider Open House begins at 9 a.m. and is staffed by department representatives ready to respond to your questions. We ask that you use our Zoom Registration process in advance of the open house and add your question(s) directly into the Zoom Questions and Comments box. This effort on your part will help us better assist you. Questions are welcome during the open house. You may place them in the chat box upon entering the Zoom meeting. Our intention is to address your questions or concerns in a private one-on-one breakout room, and we understand that your question may require further follow-up.

In addition, providers with State-funding contracts are encouraged to attend the Provider Open House. The Eligibility and Enrollment department can provide one-on-one training in a breakout room regarding state benefit recipient enrollment training. We look forward to your participation.

If you need accommodations to participate in the Provider Open House, email Training@PartnersBHM.org.

Community Training

All Trainings are Virtual via Zoom and are two hours unless otherwise specified. Participants may not be admitted to the training if joining more than 15 minutes after training begins. Participants who request a certificate will need to be on-camera during the training.

For more information contact: Amber Matthews, AMatthews@PartnersBHM.org.

Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention
Dec. 4, 2024, 10 a.m.-noon. (Register)
This evidence-based training teaches the skills to recognize warning signs of suicide and intervene in a suicide crisis. “Ask a question, save a life.”

Domestic Violence: How to Help
Dec. 5, 2024, 10 a.m.-noon (Register)
Many of us are still at home more than usual and the risk for domestic violence is high. Learn how to spot the warning signs of domestic violence and how to help someone in a violent situation.

Community Resilience Model®
Dec. 5, 2024, 2-4 p.m. (Register)
The Community Resilience Model® (CRM) teaches participants about the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system, behavior, and long-term health. Participants learn how to reset the nervous system with easy to learn, concrete coping skills. One of the goals of CRM is to create trauma-informed and resilient communities.

Human Trafficking: Keeping Our Children Safe
Dec. 6, 2024, 10 a.m.-noon (Register)
Human Trafficking is a global problem, even in the United States. Children may be susceptible to online predators. Learn about trafficking around the world and resources to keep our children safe.

Stress Management
Dec. 9, 2024, 2-4 p.m. (Register)
We’re all stressed! Many of us are balancing jobs, school, family, finances and more. Let’s get together and talk about ways we can manage our stress and have a little fun.

Diabetes 101
Dec. 10, 2024, 10 a.m.-noon (Register)
The Diabetes 101 training provides a comprehensive overview of diabetes, including its types, signs, symptoms, risk factors and potential complications. Participants will gain knowledge about diabetes prevention, self-management strategies and valuable resources to support those affected by the condition.

Partners Member Café
Dec. 10, 2024, 1-2 p.m. (Register)
Partners Member Café is held the second Tuesday of each month. Grab a cup of coffee, sit down and join us virtually to get to know us and learn how we can help you. Ask us questions about resources and services you need and who to call. We look forward to seeing you!

Risk and Resilience: Buffering Toxic Stress Modules 1-5
Dec. 12, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

Risk and Resilience: Buffering Toxic Stress Modules 1-3 This introductory training provides information about how early childhood stress and trauma can result in negative lifelong outcomes in learning, behavior and health. We discuss interventions to buffer the impact of toxic stress.

Risk and Resilience: Buffering Toxic Stress Modules 4-5) This is a follow-up to Modules 1-3. Module 4, Limbic Calming, teaches how to help children calm their limbic systems. In Module 5, Cortical Coping, we will learn about healing the cortical brain to develop active coping skills such as impulse control and problem solving.

Understanding Grief
Dec. 16, 2024, 2-4 p.m. (Register)
Are you experiencing grief or do you know someone who is grieving? In this training, you will learn about the various causes, phases and other information related to the grieving process.

Active Listening/De-escalation
Dec. 17, 2024, 2-4 p.m. (Register)
If you have ever been in a high stress situation where you did not know what to say or how to help, this is the training for you. Active Listening/De-escalation focuses on active listening skills, empathy and habits to keep yourself and other people safe.

Nutritional Impact on Mental Health
Dec. 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-noon (Register)
Join us for an insightful training on the intricate relationship between eating behaviors and mental health. This interactive training will explore how our dietary choices and habits can profoundly influence our mental well-being, emphasizing the crucial connection between nutrition and mental health.

Maternal Mental Health
Dec. 19, 2024, 10 a.m.-noon (Register)
This training delves into the nuances of maternal mental health, perinatal mood disorders and practical tools for support. Explore the essential intersection of mental health, pregnancy/postpartum care and social determinants of health while gaining insights that contribute to creating a nurturing environment for mothers.

Mental Health 101
Dec. 19, 2024, 2-4 p.m. (Register)
Learn about mental wellness, potential signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and some of the common behavioral health disorders. The training also includes information about treatment and what to do in a crisis.

Non-Suicidal Self Injury
Dec. 20, 2024,10 a.m.-noon (Register)
Learn about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, what causes people to injure themselves, warning indicators and what we can do when we encounter someone who self-injures.

Partners Community Café
Partners Community Café will not be held in December.

In-Person Trainings

Virtual System of Care Training: An Introduction to Child and Family Teams (CFT): A Cross System Training from the Family’s Perspective (Part 1)
Jan. 8 and 9, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Register)

This System of Care training will be virtual. CFT Part 1 is a two-day experiential training course (when you register, you agree to attend both days) with the goal of providing an overview of Child and Family Team meetings from the family’s perspective. The training seeks to reinforce the idea of “one family, one plan” by addressing CFT through the lens of multiple systems as they affect families in their everyday lives. Agency representatives and parents/family members 18 years old and older are encouraged to attend this training. Sessions must have a minimum of 10 participants. Do not schedule other appointments during this training. For more information, email CETraining@PartnersBHM.org.

Additional Events and Training

Partners Community Collaboratives: Partners sponsors a monthly community collaborative in each of the counties in the service region.

Community Collaborative groups consist of representatives from local government agencies, community organizations, and service providers, as well as individuals, families and advocates who work together in a specific community to identify and solve problems for children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with mental health and substance use.

Together, group members:

Identify gaps in services.
Partner with agencies and families.
Develop helpful resources.
Assist providers and families with issues related to services.
Ensure access to quality services.

Currently, all collaboratives are meeting virtually. If you are interested in learning more about a group or attending, please email Partners Community Engagement.

Select a county below to go to the associated collaborative information:

– Burke

– Cabarrus

– Catawba

– Cleveland

– Davidson

– Davie

– Forsyth

– Gaston

– Iredell

– Lincoln

– Rutherford