Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics: licensed professional clinical counselor.
The primary impact of AB 769 is the increase in mental health service accessibility within Medi-Cal, by allowing federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics that employ licensed professional clinical counselors to receive reimbursement for counseling services. This change is significant as it aligns California’s Medi-Cal program with the goal of providing comprehensive healthcare that includes not only physical health but also mental health supports. The financial structure established by this bill, which requires adjustments to per-visit rates based on the services provided, is intended to facilitate this transition without affecting existing services.
Assembly Bill No. 769, introduced by Assembly Member Smith, seeks to amend the Welfare and Institutions Code, specifically Section 14132.100, to enhance coverage under the Medi-Cal program for low-income individuals. The bill expands the definition of healthcare professionals recognized under Medi-Cal to include licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs). This inclusion allows LPCCs working in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs) to be reimbursed for their services, ensuring that mental health care is more accessible to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
While the bill has received broad support from health advocacy groups, there are concerns regarding the implementation of this reimbursement model. Some stakeholders worry about the potential bureaucratic challenges associated with billing for these new services and how they might affect the financial sustainability of FQHCs and RHCs that may not have previously provided such counseling services. Additionally, the necessity for these centers to apply for rate adjustments could create delays and complicate staffing decisions for these organizations.
AB 769 represents a progressive step forward in addressing mental health within the Medi-Cal framework, as it allows for more mental health professionals to engage with underserved populations. The process for rate adjustments and the requirement for centers wishing to include LPCCs to follow specific protocols may, however, create implementation hurdles that need to be effectively managed.