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:
- Submit required documentation to DHS-RMU-Credentialing DHS-RMU-Credentialing@sonoma-county.org
- Missing or incomplete documents will result in delays!
- Revenue Management Unit (RMU) will collect documents, coordinate with Quality Improvement to approve credentials, and send required SmartCare training to the staff member.
- Quality Improvement will review required documentation and coordinate with RMU to get clarifications, missing documentation, or form updates.
- Some providers may require credentialing review or approval by Credentialing Committee and/or DHS Compliance.
- RMU will grant access to SmartCare once credentials have been approved and required SmartCare training is complete.
Required Documents for All Staff:
- BHD-144 Staff Number and Smartcare Request Form.
- Current resume / work history.
- Credentialing Attestation Form
- Conviction history and permissive exclusion attestation required for "yes" answers.
- Copy of pre-screening checks from the following databases:
- Social Security Death Master File.
- OIG LEIE, SAM, and Medi-Cal Ineligible Provider List.
- Evidence of any history of liability claims filed against the provider (if applicable).
- National Provider Identification Number (NPI) with correct taxonomy code (see SMHS and DMC-ODS Billing Manual Appendix 1 – Taxonomy Codes)
- SMHS and DMC Billing Manuals can be found at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Pages/MedCCC-Library.aspx.
- Other documents may be required based on the credentialing provider type, please see credentialing procedure.
- Copy of current license, registration, certification, diploma and/or transcripts as required for the credentialing provider type.
- Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) registration is required for all licensed staff (registered and associates are excluded).
- Other Qualified Providers (OQP) and Graduate Student Interns require submission of a job description and supervision plan.
- DEA License and CURES registration is required for all authorized prescribers.
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