Hospitals have options to contract mental health programs

By necessity, many hospitals have contracted with other providers for the development and management of mental health programs in their facilities. Contract management offers the opportunity for hospitals to expand existing patient care services, often with minimal risk to the hospitals. In return, the management contracts for such programs typically obligate the hospitals to payment of substantial management fees during the term of the contract. This article provides an overview of the options which hospitals may use to continue the delivery of such established services. After evaluating the risks and benefits associated with each option, hospitals should be able to determine the most appropriate option to pursue for the successful continuation of such programs.