The DMHC licenses and regulates California health plans. We strive to streamline the process health plans must follow to comply with California law. This section has all the information plans need in easy and convenient formats.
The Department utilizes detailed survey audit tools when conducting medical surveys of both licensed full service and specialty plans in order to ensure compliance with the Knox-Keene Act (Act). This protocol document, Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) is used by the surveyors in measuring a plan's performance and determining compliance against the relevant Act requirements. The standard TAG tools are updated on a semi-annual basis (typically in June and January of each year) based on new and updated regulations. The TAGs may also be updated more frequently based on changes in survey approach and focus.
Specialized TAG tools are developed to conduct Focused Surveys, surveys with a specific and limited scope. The link below provides access to our current Mental Health Parity Survey tool, supporting Focused Surveys of Full Service and Mental Health Providers. The Department welcomes any comments, inquiries or questions that you might have regarding the Mental Health Parity TAG. Please direct them to: