SD14 - Development Of An Integrated Quality Assurance System

  • Published: 1987
  • Author: Department of Health and Retardation
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 46 (Regular Session, 1986)

Executive Summary:
Over the past year, in response to legislative (SJR 46) and State Board directives, the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (DMH/MR) has been enhancing its oversight capabilities. The following is a status report of work completed in developing and testing an integrated quality assurance system for Community Service Boards (CSB's) and an agenda for implementing the system.

BACKGROUND

In early 1985, DMH/MR initiated planning for a state-wide evaluation system as a key process for assisting in the management of mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse services across Virginia. Subsequently, in August, 1985, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission recommended that DMH/MR enhance its oversight capabilities of CSB's through evaluation. This concept was supported by the Virginia Association of Community Service Boards, in January, 1986.

PURPOSE

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 46, passed in February, 1986, directs the Department to develop and implement a state-wide plan for monitoring the service and fiscal management of all locally based Community Services Board (CSB) programs and activities (see page ii).

In November, 1986, the State Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation summarized the purposes of the evaluation system in policy:

"To develop and implement an ongoing evaluation system which (1) enhances the Department's monitoring of community services, (2) serves as a vehicle for targeting and enhancing technical assistance to CSBs, and (3) provides valid data about service needs and services currently delivered through CSBs ... the system will compare programmatic goals with existing program operations ... assist the CSBs in developing strategies for using available resources more effectively toward those goals." (Appendix A).

This goal has been further articulated by the Commissioner. His mandate is for an evaluation system which demonstrates the effectiveness of State Board policies in assuring a quality community-based system of care, thus, addressing the "accountability" issues of concern to the General Assembly and DMH/MR. To meet the goals of the General Assembly and the State Board, the Commissioner has identified the development of an integrated quality assurance system as one of his high priorities.