Local Behavioral Health Authorities

Introduction

Welcome to the LBHA homepage, where we highlight the vital role of Local Behavioral Health Authorities (LBHAs), Core Service Agencies (CSAs), and Local Addiction Authorities (LAAs) in Maryland’s Public Behavioral Health System (PBHS). As local systems managers, you are integral partners with Carelon Behavioral Health, ensuring high-quality oversight and service provision.

Local systems managers are a core component of Maryland’s PBHS. Your expertise in behavioral health allows you to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders and systems at the local level. This collaboration ensures Maryland residents have timely access to top-notch behavioral health interventions, treatments, services, and support. Additionally, you are tasked with planning, managing, and monitoring mental health and substance use disorder services across Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Approval and monitoring of uninsured exception requests
• Bed hold for PRP/ RRP services
• Serving as a provider for participants (in this instance, please follow provider workflows)

There are two main ways to access Carelon’s systems:

1. Service CareConnect
2. Provider Digital Front Door, which includes: ProviderConnect and Availity Essentials

Training

Upcoming training can be found on the monthly event calendar and highlighted below. Select the hyperlink to register.

• Wednesday, May 21 @ 2 p.m.: LBHA/CSA Training – Review the workflow for receiving, reviewing and approving authorization requests entered into the Carleon system. The uninsured workflow will also be reviewed.

Microlearning

• Uninsured Eligibility Exception Process

Forms

• LBHA/CSA/LAA/DORS Concern Form
• LBHA Exception Form for the Uninsured
• Bed Hold Request Form

References

• LBHA, CSA, and LAA System Reference Guide
• DataLink Dashboard

Contacts

Use the side menu to access LBHA contact information by county.