Sec. 18. 34-B MRSA §3608, as amended by PL 1997, c. 423, §§1 and 2, is further amended to read:

§3608. Local service networks

The department shall establish and oversee networks to participate with the area local councils, as defined in section 3607, subsection 2, in the delivery of mental health services to children and adults under the authority of the department. A network consists of organizations providing mental health services funded by the General Fund and Medicaid in the corresponding area specified in section 3607, subsection 3. The local service networks must be established and operated in accordance with standards that are consistent with standards adopted by accredited health care organizations and other standards adopted by the department to establish and operate networks. Oversight must include, but is not limited to, : establishing and overseeing protocols, ; quality assurance, writing and mechanisms, including outcome measures; contract monitoring contracts for service, establishing outcome measures ; and ensuring that each network provides an integrated system of care. The department may adopt rules to carry out this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A. This section may not be construed to supersede the authority of the Department of Human Services as the single state Medicaid agency under the Social Security Act, Title XII or to affect the professional standards and practices of nonnetwork providers.

1. Responsibilities. Each network shall perform the following responsibilities:

A. Deliver and coordinate 24-hour crisis response services accessible through a single point of entry to adults with mental illness and to children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbance and their families;

B. Ensure continuity, accountability and coordination regarding service delivery;

C. Participate in a uniform client data base;