Bill > HB407

This bill authorizes the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) to establish certification, minimum standards, and minimum required services for privately-owned mental health providers who are not part of the state-operated mental health system and do not receive state mental health funding. Effective July 1, 2025, these privately-owned providers will be required to meet minimum standards for services and safety similar to those established for regional and community mental health providers. However, the bill provides important flexibility by allowing the DMH to permanently waive requirements that are not suitable for the unique environment, structure, or services of these private providers. A key distinction is that these privately-owned providers will be exempt from having to submit financial data or protected health information about their clients. This new certification process aims to ensure a baseline quality of care for private mental health providers while recognizing their distinct operational characteristics, ultimately promoting consistent standards across different types of mental health service providers in Mississippi.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0407.xml