MHRT/C Communications
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This section last updated January 6, 2022
Center for Learning is Open for Business
Muskie staff continue to process MHRT/C certification applications and renewals. Email correspondence is quickest and we continue to field phone calls, although there are likely to be delays as most staff are working remotely. Please submit your certification paperwork by email to cfl-muskie@maine.edu for the fastest response. If you do not have access to a scanner, take legible photos with your smart device and email the photos.
Full and Provisional MHRT I Behavioral Intervention Requirement (Updated 1/6/22)
In light of the prevalence of community transmission of COVID-19, OBH will allow agencies to utilize live virtual training platforms for as much as possible for the Behavioral Intervention Program training such as MANDT through March 31, 2022. Once it is safe to do so, agencies will be expected to provide an in person follow-up training to ensure that staff are adequately trained in the use of the appropriate behavioral intervention techniques. We encourage agencies to use resources such as available technique demonstration videos during this time while being mindful of the importance of staff being adequately trained and that restraints are not an allowable part of treatment in community settings.
Full and Provisional MHRT I CPR/First Aid Requirement (UPDATED 12/16/21)
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) will extend the use of online versions of First Aid/CPR through March 31, 2022.
Please remember that the only approved online trainings are the three listed below:
The American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/adult-child-and-baby-first-aid%2Fcpr%2Faed-online/a6R0V0000015EUt.html
American Health Care Academy
https://cpraedcourse.com/course/cpr-first-aid-certification
National CPR Association
CPR: https://www.nationalcprassociation.com/cpr-aed-certification/
First Aid: https://www.nationalcprassociation.com/first-aid-certification/
In addition, there are two blended trainings (part face-to-face and part online) accepted for MHRT I:
American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/
American Safety & Health Institute
https://www.hsi.com/
For a list of accepted face-to-face trainings, please see our First Aid/CPR webpage.
Provisional MHRT I Changes (4/6/20)
The Muskie School Center for Learning administers the MHRT I certification program on behalf of DHHS-Office of Behavioral Health (OBH). Recently, several agencies have requested permission to review the Provisional Mental Health Support Specialist Handbook with new staff online, through a video conferencing system such as Zoom or GoToMeeting. They also request to use electronic signatures on the Provisional MHRT I certificate.
We have consulted with OBH in regards to this request, and they will allow this through May 31, 2020 with the following stipulation/reminder:
The agency representative/supervisor must interact with the new hire to thoroughly review the handbook. This is already stipulated in the handbook. As stated on the Provisional MHRT I certificate, by signing, both the agency representative/supervisor and new hire are attesting that this has occurred.
Important/helpful links:
PDF version of the Provisional Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician I Handbook
A PDF version of the Provisional MHRT I certificate with fillable lines.
Thank you for your patience and keep safe.
Online Trainer Tips from Mark Lindquist (4/22/20) Linked title is a PDF of online trainer tips from Mark Lindquist of Port Resources.
MHRT/C Continuing Education Change (Updated 6/17/21)
NOTICE: The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) made the following temporary change to the MHRT/C Continuing Education Requirements:
November 17, 2021: FAQs around the updated MHRT/C Pathways.
Septemer 28, 2021: Back to the Basics: How to apply for MHRT/C. How to Renew your MHRT/C. Please use the current template for Provisional MHRT I.
August 17, 2021: A look at recent surveys on face-to-face vs. virtual training.
June 23, 2021: A look back at over 25 years of service.
May 10, 2021: Highlights new MHRT/C programs, accelerated/online programs, collaboration efforts and a link to a “how-to” guide to determine if a training counts for continuing education.
March 22, 2021: Tips for Provisional MHRT/C Level B certificate holders in completing certification through the 2019 requirements.
February 26, 2021: MHRT/C by the numbers, continuing education reminder and out-of-state applications.
January 14, 2021: 2019 MHRT/C Guidelines are in now in effect.
December 14, 2020: Important MHRT/C deadlines. Transition to the 2019 program ends December 31, 2020.
November 30, 2020: Giving thanks, StrengthenME website, Initial new certificate deadline reminder, and Continuing Education reminder.
October 30, 2020: MHRT/C Non-Academic Training Information and free training for Trainers.
September 18, 2020: Continuing Education reminder.
July 31, 2020: Newly approved academic programs, reminder on continuing education, and a reminder about an important deadline for graduates of programs approved under 2009 guidelines and those with an MHRT/C lacking an expiration date.
June 8, 2020: Update on new Adult Learner Module Training, Domain 8 Non-Academic Train-the-Trainer reminder, newly approved academic programs, and update on Provisional Level A & Level B certificates
May 20, 2020: Update on Continuing Education, Provisional Level A & Level B certificates and Domain 8 Non-Academic Train-the-Trainer
April 23, 2020: Update on In-Service Trainings and Online Training Tips
March 19, 2020: MHRT/C COVID-19 Updates
February 24, 2020: Important Certification Deadlines
February 5, 2020: Continuing Education
January 9, 2020: Update on Approved Academic Programs
December 17, 2019: Seasons Greetings and year end statistics
October 25, 2019: Eight Things to Know about the Redesigned MHRT/C Program (more to come)
September 26, 2019: New Requirements are in Effect and Academic Programs Update
September 13, 2019 SAMHS update: Originally sent out by DHHS-SAMHS.
June 28, 2019: Year-end Wrap-up
May 30, 2019: Academic Program Updates
April 26, 2019: In-Service Trainings for Continuing Education
March 14, 2019: New Continuning Education Checklist
January 29, 2019: Academic Program Updates
December 21, 2018: More on Continuing Education
October 29, 2018: Continuing Education
October 12, 2018: Older MHRT certificates and Going Paperless
September 17, 2018: Back to School!
July 24, 2018: Profile of an MHRT/C Certified Professional 2
June 8, 2018: Profile of an MHRT/C Certified Professional
May 30, 2018: Webinar Reminder
May 11, 2018: Where Things Stand
April 20, 2018: Credit for Work Experience
March 23, 2018: FAQs-Continuing Education Requirements
March 9, 2018: FAQs-New Certification Requirements
February 15, 2018: Continuing Education Requirements for Full MHRT/C
February 2, 2018: Online Training Module MH101
Informational webinars for providers have been offered from time ot time. Below are recordings of those along with slides and FAQs.
June 24, 2019 Slides with Transcript
January 17, 2019 Zoom Call with Academic Programs (Opens in YouTube)