Mental health: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The bill facilitates a statewide infrastructure for mental health emergency services, which includes a focus on mobile crisis teams that can respond effectively to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Insurance companies will be required to cover medically necessary treatments for mental health issues delivered through 988 centers, ensuring that these services are accessible regardless of network status. Additionally, it will introduce a specific surcharge designed to fund these services, helping to address funding limitations that have previously hindered mental health service deployment.
Assembly Bill 988, known as the Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act, aims to establish a robust framework for mental health crisis services in California by enhancing access to the newly designated 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The bill mandates the Office of Emergency Services to ensure necessary technology is in place for seamless interactions between 988 centers and existing emergency services like 911. It also emphasizes the creation of a 988 system director and the establishment of a comprehensive implementation plan with recommendations due by December 31, 2023. This initiative marks a significant shift in the way mental health crises are addressed in the state.
The overall sentiment surrounding AB 988 appears to be positive, particularly among mental health advocates and service providers who view it as a necessary advancement in addressing mental health crises. However, there may be concerns regarding the funding mechanisms and the operational efficiency of the proposed 988 system, especially regarding the financial implications for consumers through the newly established surcharge. Furthermore, the absence of rulemaking provisions for regulations adopted under this bill may raise questions about oversight and accountability.
Notable points of contention focus on the implementation timeline and the adequacy of the proposed surcharge to fully fund the expansive network of services required. Critics may argue that the surcharge set at $0.08 for the initial years is insufficient to cover the long-term costs of operating a comprehensive 988 system. There is also potential pushback concerning the integration of these new services with existing emergency management frameworks, as well as the adequacy of training and resources for first responders to handle mental health crises effectively.