06/02/2026 | Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Announces Enhanced Oversight and Accountability Measures to Protect Taxpayer Resources

For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2026

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Announces Enhanced Oversight and Accountability Measures to Protect Taxpayer Resources

(COLUMBUS,OH) - The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) today announced a series of enhanced oversight and accountability measures designed to strengthen program integrity, improve transparency, and ensure taxpayer dollars are supporting high-quality behavioral health services for Ohioans.

As Ohio continues to expand access to mental health and addiction services, DBH is implementing new safeguards to strengthen oversight of providers, grantees, and publicly-funded behavioral health programs across the state.

"The overwhelming majority of Ohio's behavioral health providers and community partners are dedicated professionals who deliver life-saving services every day," said Director Tia Marcel Moretti. "At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure public resources are being used appropriately, effectively, and in a manner that maintains the trust of Ohio taxpayers."

The Department's enhanced accountability initiative includes:

• An enhanced review process for new behavioral health provider licensure and certification applications;
• Reinforced provider renewal requirements, including timely submission of licensure and certification applications to maintain compliance;
• Increased coordination with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, managed care organizations, and the Ohio Attorney General to identify and address potential fraud, waste, and abuse;
• Enhanced verification and monitoring of service delivery and program performance; and
• Implementation of a standardized statewide grantee monitoring and reporting framework for DBH-funded programs and partners.

The new grantee monitoring process establishes consistent reporting requirements, standardized monitoring tools, corrective action procedures, and enhanced documentation practices across Department-funded programs. The framework is intended to improve fiscal and programmatic accountability, support earlier identification of risk, and strengthen the Department's ability to measure outcomes and system impact.

DBH recognizes that Ohio's behavioral health system has grown significantly in recent years in response to increasing demand for mental health and substance use disorder services. As the system grows, oversight and accountability measures must continue to evolve to ensure resources are directed toward legitimate, high-quality providers delivering meaningful outcomes for Ohioans.

"Protecting access to care and taxpayer dollars go hand in hand," said Moretti. "These efforts are designed to maintain public confidence, support responsible stewardship of public resources, and ensure that Ohioans receive the quality behavioral health services they deserve."

Implementation of the Department's standardized monitoring and reporting framework is now underway, with program areas working directly with funded partners, vendors, and providers to communicate expectations and support compliance.

# # #

DBH Contact:
Sam Dillon, Chief Communications Officer
[email protected]