Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics: visits.
The bill's enactment aims to improve access to mental health services for Medi-Cal recipients by allowing more flexible billing practices for FQHCs and RHCs. By extending the ability to bill for specific encounters under the supervision of licensed professionals, there will likely be an increase in patient engagement with mental health services. This change aligns with ongoing efforts to expand access to mental health resources, which is crucial for communities facing high rates of mental health challenges, such as those involving homeless, elderly, or chronic illness populations.
Senate Bill 966 amends Section 14132.100 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, which governs the Medi-Cal program in California, particularly regarding the services offered by federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs). The bill mandates that the State Department of Health Care Services seek federal approvals to enable these centers to bill for encounters with associate clinical social workers or associate marriage and family therapists. These services are to be billed under the supervision of a licensed behavioral health practitioner, enhancing the scope of care available to low-income patients, particularly in underserved areas.
Overall, the sentiment towards SB 966 appears positive, particularly among healthcare providers who advocate for expanded access to mental health services. However, some concerns about the implementation and the necessity of ensuring sufficient oversight remain. Stakeholders express the importance of maintaining the quality of care while expanding accessibility, and there is a hope that effective guidance from the department will address any operational challenges that arise with these new billing practices.
While there is general support for the bill, potential contention exists regarding the need for federal approval to implement these changes effectively. Additionally, there may be concerns related to ensuring that the use of associate clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists is adequately supervised to provide quality care. The legislation intertwines with Assembly Bill 32, with some provisions operative only if both bills are enacted, which may lead to legislative complexities that proponents and critics alike highlight.