Bill > H4669

This bill requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the continuum of care for individuals with behavioral health conditions, including mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. The study will investigate current regional healthcare service availability, barriers to care, and gaps in treatment options, ranging from acute treatment services to outpatient care. The office must examine institutional barriers that individuals face when accessing treatment, such as funding limitations, transportation challenges, housing availability, and treatment costs. The study will involve input from diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, organizations with expertise in substance use disorder treatment, individuals with lived experience, and executive agencies. The research will aim to develop recommendations for an enhanced service architecture that addresses existing gaps and potentially creates regional continuum of care facilities. The Executive Office is required to submit a detailed initial report within one year, including findings, recommendations, and draft legislation, and then provide annual progress reports detailing implementation efforts and any remaining barriers. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve mental health and substance use disorder treatment by systematically identifying and addressing challenges in the current healthcare system.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4669