Relationship Between Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center and Administrative Agents

Through the mechanism of a contractual Cooperative Inpatient Agreement, Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center provides acute inpatient psychiatric services for the patients served by the four Central Region administrative agents.  The administrative agents provide the continuous community-based services under a contract with the Missouri Department of Mental Health.  Therefore, Mid-Missouri Mental Health is part of a formalized multi-agency continuum of services.

It is the philosophy of both the administrative agents and Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center that clients should be served in the most effective and least restrictive environment.  To accomplish this, the administrative agents, affiliates, and facilities must work collaboratively to assure sharing of information and input into continuity of care.  Staff from the administrative agents and Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center will work together to perform the following functions:

1. Screening of potential patients for admission.
2. Development of inpatient and community-based treatment plans.
3. Aftercare planning for inpatients.
4. Sharing of patient information via individual and team contacts and a monthly Central Regional Case Conference.
5. Crisis intervention services
6. Staff education and training.
7. Provide community liaison services to skilled nursing facilities.

The relationship between the administrative agents and Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center is a dynamic one.  Specific roles and duties between the agencies are being redefined with the decentralization of the supported community living functions and the process is continuously being evaluated for improvements.  The system of care being developed will enhance continuity of services for patients and will ultimately reduce recidivism.