Bill > S4282

This bill, the Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act of 2020, aims to amend the Community Mental Health Service Block Grant to authorize a set-aside for crisis care services. The bill includes several key provisions: 1. It requires states to use at least 5% of their allotment from the Community Mental Health Service Block Grant to support evidence-based crisis care programs, such as crisis call centers, 24/7 mobile crisis services, and crisis stabilization programs. This requirement is contingent on the annual funding for the program exceeding the 2020 level by at least $35 million. 2. It allows states the flexibility to expend not less than 10% of their allotment over the course of 2 consecutive fiscal years, rather than the 5% per year requirement. 3. It includes findings and a sense of Congress highlighting the need for better coordination of physical and mental health services, as well as cooperation with law enforcement, to ensure timely and appropriate care for individuals with mental health issues. The findings also note the potential cost savings and improved patient outcomes from establishing crisis care networks at the state and local levels.