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The Tompkins County Mental Health Department has received the results of a compliance audit of its mental health clinic by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).  The OMH regulates, certifies, and oversees mental health programs that are operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies across that State.

The compliance audit cited departmental process and procedure deficiencies that have resulted in the State withholding its approval of the Department's annual certificate to operate the Clinic pending the development of a performance improvement plan and demonstration that sustainable improvements have been implemented.  Client services will continue to operate without interruption.

The deficiencies cited in the audit are generally in the nature of administrative processes and procedures that did not meet State standards. The largest single finding was that mental health counseling services offered by the County at eleven area schools had not secured the appropriate State licenses required for off-site clinic locations. The Mental Health Department is underway with the preparation of a required performance improvement plan and Frank Kruppa, newly appointed head of the Department, has ensured the licensure of the school counseling program a top priority.

"I do not believe the audit represents a reflection of the quality of care provided by the County Mental Health Department, but rather our need to improve our processes and documentation in a manner compliant with regulations," said Public Health Director Frank Kruppa.   "As many of the changes recommended by the State are already in progress, I'm confident we will rapidly, and permanently, resolve the administrative deficiencies cited by the State."

The Clinic and the Department's in-school counseling program will continue to operate without interruption or modification. The State will monitor the clinic's performance and provide technical assistance intended to expedite improvements and recertification.

County Administrator Joe Mareane expressed confidence in the Mental Health Department's ability to promptly resolve the issues cited by the State.  "With our dedicated staff and the strong leadership now in place, we will achieve the improvements sought by the State.  The Department will use the audit to add focus and urgency to the work already underway to bring our systems and procedures to the same level of excellence as our client care."

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