Bill > SB3274

This bill establishes a new system for certifying community behavioral health clinics in Hawaii, aiming to improve access to mental health and substance use services. It creates a Community Behavioral Health Clinic Certifying Office within the Department of Health, responsible for developing certification standards, providing technical assistance to clinics seeking certification, and overseeing a prospective payment system, which is a method of payment based on a fixed rate for services. A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Oversight Board will be established to review applications, advise on certification criteria, and advocate for individuals with mental health or substance use conditions. The bill also creates a special fund to support the operations of the certifying office and amends existing laws to include a representative from the new certifying office on the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances and the State Council on Mental Health, thereby integrating this new certification program into the state's broader health advisory structures. Additionally, it appropriates $800,000 for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund the implementation of these provisions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3274&year=2026