THE USE OF UNIQUE CLIENT IDENTIFIERS IN STATE MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICE SYSTEMS

This paper presents the results of a national survey of states mental health authorities regarding the use of unique client identifiers (UCI ). Results indicate that 78% of respondents used some UCI, and all use d one or more of three types of UCIs, i.e., an existing number, a cons tructed identifier, or an assigned number. Issues concerning the purpo se of use, implementation, barriers and problems with the different UC Is are discussed in order to help state and local authorities make inf ormed policy decisions regarding the selection and implementation of a unique identifier in mental health data systems.