With an appropriation of ten million dollars from the general fund designated for fiscal year 2024 and subsequent years, SB441 intends to alleviate provider shortages by providing financial support to behavioral health service providers establishing new practices. This funding will cover start-up costs for practices serving Medicaid clients, thereby enhancing the accessibility of vital mental health services. Furthermore, the bill outlines potential assistance towards training and compensating various professionals and interns within the behavioral health field.
Summary
Senate Bill 441 introduces the 'Community Behavioral Health Resources Development Fund' aimed at addressing the shortage of behavioral health providers in specific New Mexico communities. The bill establishes a fund that will receive appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations to support initiatives focused on communities with inadequate psychiatric services, specifically counties lacking one full-time psychiatrist per 10,000 residents. This initiative reflects a legislative commitment to improve mental health access in underserved regions.
Contention
While the bill targets a significant issue in public health, discussions surrounding its passage may highlight broader concerns over funding allocation, the effectiveness of proposed measures, and the adequacy of services provided under this new initiative. Skeptics may question whether the ten million dollar fund will be sufficient to make a measurable impact on the behavioral health landscape or if it sufficiently addresses the root causes of provider shortages. Additionally, there may be debates on the guidelines and governance of the fund to ensure transparency and efficiency in its application.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.