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Department of Health Services

Behavioral Health Division

Provider Credentialing

The following guidelines are intended to inform providers regarding the process for credentialing and re-credentialing. BHD-DHS Leadership, Credentialing Committee, and Quality Improvement Manager may require additional documentation or amendments to the process as necessary to ensure regulatory compliance.

Sonoma County Procedures and Policies:

7.1.1 Provider Credentialing and Continuous Monitoring

Provider Credentialing and Continuous Monitoring Procedure (update in-process)

Credentialing Process Steps:

  1. Submit required documentation to DHS-RMU-Credentialing DHS-RMU-Credentialing@sonoma-county.org
    • Missing or incomplete documents will result in delays!
  2. Revenue Management Unit (RMU) will collect documents, coordinate with Quality Improvement to approve credentials, and send required SmartCare training to the staff member.
  3. Quality Improvement will review required documentation and coordinate with RMU to get clarifications, missing documentation, or form updates.
  4. Some providers may require credentialing review or approval by Credentialing Committee and/or DHS Compliance. 
  5. RMU will grant access to SmartCare once credentials have been approved and required SmartCare training is complete.

Required Documents for All Staff:

  1. BHD-144 Staff Number and Smartcare Request Form.
  2. Current resume / work history.
  3. Credentialing Attestation Form
  4. Copy of pre-screening checks from the following databases:
    1. Social Security Death Master File.
    2. OIG LEIE, SAM, and Medi-Cal Ineligible Provider List.
  5. Evidence of any history of liability claims filed against the provider (if applicable).
  6. National Provider Identification Number (NPI) with correct taxonomy code (see SMHS and DMC-ODS Billing Manual  Appendix 1 – Taxonomy Codes)
  7. Other documents may be required based on the credentialing provider type, please see credentialing procedure.

    Sonoma County Staff Required Forms:

    These forms are specific to Sonoma County employees and not intended for CBOs.

    National Provider Identifier Form

    BHD 170 Behavioral Health Division Credentialing Attestion

    MHS 700 SmartCare Electronic Signature Agreement

    Staff Numbers and SmartCare Request, Sonoma County Department of Healthcare Services: Behavioral Health Division