Bill > SB161

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for behavioral health treatment providers in Delaware, creating new regulations and standards for licensing, client rights, incident reporting, and organizational oversight. The bill defines key terms like "behavioral health condition" and "provider organization" and requires most behavioral health treatment programs to obtain licenses from the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, with some exceptions for licensed professionals in private practice and certain specialized programs. The legislation establishes detailed provisions for client rights, including protection from abuse, the right to refuse treatment, and access to individualized care plans, and creates a robust system for reporting and investigating critical incidents involving clients. The bill introduces civil and criminal penalties for providers who operate without proper licensing or violate established standards, and empowers the Division to conduct audits, impose fines, and take disciplinary actions against non-compliant organizations. Additionally, the bill updates the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health's statutory powers and responsibilities, expanding its role in overseeing and regulating behavioral health treatment services, and includes provisions for protecting client confidentiality and ensuring quality of care. The act is named the "Rick Urey Behavioral Health Treatment Act" and will be implemented within two years of its enactment or upon the adoption of final implementing regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142374