OhioMHAS Launches – then Holds - New Online Licensure and Certification Application and Renewal Process 

On Monday, January 6 the OhioMHAS launched a new online licensing and certification application system (LACTS). This web-based system will replace the current paper application process. With this new on-line system, behavioral health providers will be able to submit their initial and renewal applications directly into LACTS.  Training videos are available on the OhioMHAS website detailing some basic LACTS functionality information, such as logging on, obtaining IDs, and completing the application itself. If you have questions about the system, email [email protected] or call 614.466.1483. You can also visit mha.ohio.gov/LACTS for information.  

Subsequently, on January 13^, OhioMHAS notified providers that due to an unforeseen technological issue, the new Licensure and Certification Tracking System (LACTS), will be temporarily unavailable for approximately 4 weeks in order to fix the underlying issue. This hold only affects providers that are certified to provide mental health and/or addiction treatment services, Drive Intervention Programs, and prevention services. There is no impact on residential facilities, Opiate Treatment Programs, or private psychiatric hospital licenses. 

During this time, providers may continue to submit paper requests, especially if you have a time-sensitive request to add a new service or location. If your organization is close to the deadline to submit a renewal application, and you prefer to wait to use LACTS, there will be no penalty for submitting a late application. The Department will notify all users once LACTS is fully operational again. 

Additionally, OhioMHAS received feedback that some currently certified/licensed providers may be having difficulty finding their organization while trying to create a LACTS account. The most likely cause for this is that they do not yet have your organization’s federal EIN (also known as a federal tax ID number) and governing structure (for-profit, not-for-profit, LLC, government, partnership or sole proprietor), which are required for LACTS. You may submit this information to the Department by emailing [email protected] or by calling 614.728.4374. Please be prepared to provide your agency and/facility name(s), city, federal tax ID and governing structure. Department staff will directly contact agencies and residential facilities that have not submitted this information. Updates will be entered into LACTS weekly. Once your information is added, you will be able to access your new account. If you have questions on the LACTS system, or your agency’s information, please email [email protected] or call 614.466.1483. (GC/SH)