Bill > H5987

This bill establishes a comprehensive state behavioral health crisis services system to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals (BHDDH). The legislation creates a statewide framework for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, including establishing mobile crisis response teams, crisis receiving and stabilization centers, and a 988 fee on telephone service providers. Key provisions include designating crisis hotline centers that operate 24/7, creating mobile crisis teams with behavioral health professionals and individuals with lived experience, and requiring insurers to cover behavioral health crisis services without prior authorization starting January 1, 2026. The bill emphasizes equity by mandating culturally and linguistically competent services for underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, children, youth, veterans, and racial and ethnic minorities. An 11-member advisory board will provide guidance, and the system will coordinate with the E-911 emergency response system. The legislation also includes requirements for data collection, strategic planning, and ongoing assessment to improve crisis services, with a particular focus on creating safe, appropriate, and developmentally sensitive responses for children, youth, and families.

Budget and Finance

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