Mentor Research Institute

Healthy Contracts Legislation; Measurement & Value-Based Payment Contracting: Online Screening & Outcome Measurement Software

503 227-2027

The Independent Certified Internal Auditor Shall Audit Reports Registered in the Online Ethics Point Portal that Pertain to Mental and Behavioral Health Service Contracts and Policies

A Discussion Paper


Using an Independent Certified Internal Auditor to audit reports registered in the Ethics Point portal which are related to mental and behavioral health services contracts and policies will promote objectivity, transparency, compliance, risk mitigation, and ethical practices. CIA independence and expertise will ensure an impartial and thorough review process, fostering trust and accountability within the healthcare system.

Having an Independent Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) audit reports registered in the online Ethics Point portal that pertain to mental and behavioral health service contracts and policies is beneficial for several reasons:

1. Ensuring Objectivity and Impartiality

  • Independent CIAs are trained to conduct audits without bias, ensuring that all reports registered in the online Ethics Point portal are evaluated objectively. This impartiality is crucial in mental and behavioral health services, where stakeholders need to trust that their concerns will be addressed fairly and without prejudice.

2. Promoting Transparency and Accountability

  • By having an independent auditor review the reports, health plans can demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability. This process ensures that all reported issues are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, which is essential for maintaining trust among providers, patients, and other stakeholders.

3. Enhancing Compliance and Risk Management

  1. Independent CIAs are well-versed in regulatory requirements and industry standards. Their involvement in auditing Ethics Point reports helps ensure that health plans comply with all relevant laws and regulations. This compliance is particularly important in mental and behavioral health services, where regulatory oversight is stringent and non-compliance can have severe consequences.

4. Mitigating Legal and Reputational Risks

  • Thorough and independent audits of Ethics Point reports can help mitigate legal and reputational risks for health plans. By addressing issues promptly and transparently, health plans can avoid potential legal actions and protect their reputation. This proactive approach is essential in the highly regulated and scrutinized field of mental and behavioral health services.

5. Ensuring Ethical Practices

  • Independent CIAs uphold high ethical standards in their audit practices. By auditing reports registered in the Ethics Point portal, they ensure that health plans adhere to ethical guidelines in patient care, billing, and overall operations. This ethical oversight is crucial in mental and behavioral health services, where the vulnerability of patients necessitates the highest standards of care and integrity.


DISCLAIMER and PURPOSE: This discussion document is intended for training, educational, and or research purposes only. The information contained herein is based on the data and perspectives available at the time of writing. It is subject to revision as new information and viewpoints emerge.

For more information see: https://www.mentorresearch.org/disclaimer-and-purpose

Key words: Supervisor education, Ethics, COVID Office Air Treatment, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Counseling, Patient Reported Outcome Measures,