Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1513

Introduced
4/5/23  
Refer
4/5/23  
Refer
4/5/23  

Caption

An Act to Improve Intensive Behavioral Health and Public Safety Case Management Services

Impact

The approval of LD1513 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws concerning social services and mental health care, particularly in addressing staffing shortages within case management frameworks. By financially incentivizing case managers, the bill seeks to enhance the quality and availability of behavioral health services, thereby potentially improving outcomes for individuals and families reliant on these crucial supports. Ensuring a stable workforce in this sector could also lead to more consistent and effective service delivery across the state.

Summary

LD1513, titled 'An Act to Improve Intensive Behavioral Health and Public Safety Case Management Services,' aims to enhance the workforce responsible for delivering intensive case management services in behavioral health and public safety. This bill focuses on providing the necessary funding for recruitment and retention of Intensive Case Managers, specifically allocating stipends to incentivize qualified professionals to engage in this essential work. The funding specified is intended to align with the increments provided to the child welfare services program outlined in prior legislation, indicating a connection to similar social service initiatives.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD1513 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for mental health services and those in favor of increased investment in public safety and social services. Proponents view this bill as a vital step towards strengthening the state's ability to respond to behavioral health needs, especially in a time when these demands are growing. However, there may be some concerns expressed related to funding allocations and how resources will be distributed among various programs and services under the umbrella of behavioral health.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, discussions surrounding its implementation may raise pertinent questions about funding sustainability, prioritization of services, and potential disparities in accessibility among different regions in the state. Some stakeholders might express apprehension about ensuring that the funds provided are effectively utilized, and that intensive case management services are equitably available to all populations needing them. The tension between immediate financial allocations and long-term policy implications may also surface as a point of contention in future legislative debates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME SB781

Public Safety and Behavioral Health Improvement Act

ME LD2224

An Act to Strengthen Public Safety by Improving Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System

ME SB326

The Behavioral Health Services Act.

ME LD2214

An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

ME LD258

An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2023, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

ME SF477

Case management associate, mental health behavioral aide, and mental health rehabilitation worker supervision requirements modification

ME LD2237

An Act to Strengthen Public Safety, Health and Well-being by Expanding Services and Coordinating Violence Prevention Resources

ME HB2024

Relating to the behavioral health workforce; and declaring an emergency.

ME AB2405

Intensive behavioral health treatment facilities.

ME SB964

Behavioral health.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.