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Nov 2, 2026

Join us for our upcoming webinars & events

Workforce management

Build a Healthier Workplace with the Healthy Arizona Worksites Program (HAWP)


Nov. 12, 2026, noon–1 p.m.


Join Mercy Care and Jayne Quartz from the Arizona Department of Health Services for an overview of the Healthy Arizona Worksites Program (HAWP).


Discover free resources, training and technical assistance available to Arizona employers, plus strategies for improving employee well-being and earning Healthy Arizona Worksite recognition.


Please note: The webinar will not be recorded. 





Thinking About a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology?



Nov. 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. 


Considering a doctorate in Clinical Psychology? Northern Arizona University (NAU) will be featured in an upcoming virtual information session about its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program.


Behavioral health professionals can learn about the program, admissions and prerequisites, academic preparation, and strategies for strengthening their candidacy for doctoral study.


Meeting ID: 978 6761 6448

Passcode: 793731

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)



Nov. 20, 2026, 2–4 p.m. 


QPR is a virtual workshop focused on three practical steps anyone can learn to help save a life. Participants learn how to recognize suicide warning signs, offer hope and connect individuals with appropriate resources and support.


Virtual: Access information will be provided with the registration confirmation. 








Growing Arizona’s Health Care Workforce

Action to Outcomes 

Nov. 16, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Nov. 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 


Mercy Care is proud to sponsor the 2026 Healthcare Workforce Action Summit and invites workforce leaders to join us Nov. 16-17 in Tempe. Connect with workforce development professionals from across Arizona, explore solutions to workforce challenges and gain practical strategies you can implement right away. Sessions include healthcare workforce supply and demand, succession planning, retention, competency innovation and workforce updates from the Office of Economic Opportunity. Learn about exciting changes to Arizona Healthcare Workforce Network (AHWAN) and expand your professional network.


Location:

Rio Salado Conference Center, 2323 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 

Registration Fee:

$98 per participant 

Questions:

Please contact: info@maricopacorporate.com

Employment services



These trainings are designed to enhance provider competency in areas outlined in AHCCCS ACOM 447 and AMPM 1240-J employment policies.

RSA/Vocational Rehabilitation



Nov. 4, 2026, noon–12:30 p.m.


This training will explain how the Vocational Rehabilitation program helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment.

 


During the session:

  • Recognize the benefits of the RSA/VR program. 
  • Identify VR eligibility criteria. 
  • Review the types of services RSA/VR may provide.






AHCCCS Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide



Nov. 11, 2026, noon–12:30 p.m. 


This training will focus on the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide (CBHSG)

 

Learn how the CBHSG applies to employment-related services and billing codes.

  • Medicaid-funded employment and rehabilitation services. 
  • RSA/Vocational Rehabilitation requirements. 
  • Pre-employment vs. post-employment services.



ARIZONA@WORK




Nov. 18, 2026, noon–12:30 p.m. 


This training will focus on ARIZONA@WORK, the statewide workforce development network that offers resources and services to help job seekers find employment opportunities.

 

  • Recognize the statewide workforce development network. 
  • Review services and resources for pursuing employment opportunities. 
  • View job postings at AZJobConnection.gov. 



Children's System of Care


Understanding the social, emotional, and developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.



Mercy Care and Southwest Human Development are hosting a training series for children from birth to age 5. 


This series will provide a solid understanding of the mental health, developmental, and social-emotional needs of young children. These general training courses are for all stakeholders, including parents, caregivers, and behavioral health providers. 


Infants

Nov. 18, 2026, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Toddlers

Dec. 16, 2026, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Preschoolers

Jan. 20, 2027, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Supporting Recovery Through Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) 



Dec. 3, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–noon


Join Mercy Care for an educational session exploring Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) and their important role in supporting members on their journey toward recovery and improved well-being.


Representatives from Southwest Network and Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) will share strategies they have implemented to identify, track and address HRSN, offering practical examples and insights from their work with members. 


Who should attend: Clinical staff and leaders at all levels. Register below

Friendly reminders 





Meet Eric Conwell


Eric Conwell is senior manager of Network Performance and Contracting. He oversees Mercy Care’s Network Sufficiency team and serves as the organization’s designated network administrator. 


His team monitors and maintains network adequacy, supports provider accessibility, and helps ensure compliance with AHCCCS requirements related to provider availability, time and distance standards, appointment availability, and network capacity. 


Eric leads analysts who evaluate provider network performance, identify access gaps, support provider recruitment efforts, and conduct ongoing network oversight. The team partners with providers, internal operational areas and community stakeholders to help ensure members have timely access to quality health care services across Arizona. 


With a focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, Eric works to strengthen the provider's network and support equitable access to care for Mercy Care members. His team plays a key role in regulatory reporting, network development strategies, and monitoring member access to physical and behavioral health services. 

Care Management for Our Members 

To refer Mercy Care patients to care management, use the Care Management email form. 


If you have questions, leave a message at 602-453-8391, and someone will return your call. 


Mercy Care may receive referrals from: 

  • Health information or special-needs lines. 
  • Members and caregivers. 
  • Providers and practitioners. 


Members who may benefit from care management include those who: 

  • Frequently use the emergency room or inpatient setting to manage their care. 
  • Are not effectively managing chronic comorbid conditions. 
  • Need significant assistance with social determinants of health that affect their ability to manage their health care. 
  • Have a high-risk pregnancy. 



Note: Care management means your patient has only one care manager, even if the patient participates in case management within a value-based practice, at the community level or through condition management. 


Thrive Mobile Expands Access with Basic Option


Mercy Care members now have access to two Thrive Mobile program options designed to support connectivity and engagement in care.


Thrive Basic is a bring-your-own-device option that provides unlimited talk and text, plus 5 GB of high-speed data. This can help more members stay connected to health care services and community resources. 


Thrive Premium remains available for eligible members with more complex needs and includes a smartphone, wireless service, and enhanced engagement opportunities.


Together, these options allow Thrive Mobile to better meet members where they are while improving access to care, communication, and support services.

How Utilization Management Decisions Are Made

 

Mercy Care makes utilization management decisions based solely on the appropriateness of care and services and the existence of coverage. 

Mercy Care does not reward practitioners or other individuals for denying coverage. Financial incentives for utilization management decision-makers do not encourage decisions that result in underutilization. 



For more information on Utilization Management, review our Mercy Care Provider Manual.

Action Required: Seclusion and Restraint Submission Process Change 


Mercy Care has updated the submission process for seclusion and restraint documentation.


Effective immediately, providers must submit one consolidated PDF for each seclusion or restraint submission. The PDF must include the 962 Attachment and all required supporting documentation.


Multiple separate attachments will not be accepted for review. Submissions received in this format will be returned and must be corrected and resubmitted as one complete PDF.


Thank you for helping ensure submissions are complete and ready for review.

AHCCCS system updates





10.28.2026







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