Relating to the provision of certain behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and their families under a contract with a managed care organization.
Impact
The bill modifies existing regulations under the Government Code, particularly affecting how managed care organizations contract with service providers. By clarifying the rules around providing behavioral health services, HB1758 is poised to improve the quality and availability of mental health support, especially for children who may be facing various risk factors. These factors include potential juvenile justice involvement or expulsion from educational settings, emphasizing early intervention and comprehensive care.
Summary
House Bill 1758 aims to enhance the provision of behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and their families through contracts with managed care organizations. By formalizing targeted case management and psychiatric rehabilitative services specifically tailored for this demographic, the bill seeks to address critical mental health challenges. The legislation establishes that providers can offer these services while remaining compliant with Medicaid coverage, ensuring accessibility to necessary support for youth in need.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding the bill revolve around the requirement for providers to maintain certain service provisions, such as 24/7 behavioral health crisis hotlines or mobile crisis teams. Critics may argue that the lack of such mandates could leave gaps in support during critical moments, therefore insufficiently addressing urgent mental health incidents. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of training and guidelines provided to service providers under this bill may arise, as ensuring proper care hinges on their readiness and capacity.
Legislative context
With an intent for swift implementation, the bill calls for the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt necessary rules by January 1, 2018, contingent on the legislative vote supporting immediate effectiveness. The urgency reflects growing awareness and advocacy for addressing mental health needs within the younger populations of Texas, highlighting the state's commitment to improving healthcare frameworks.
Identical
Relating to the provision of certain behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and their families under a contract with a managed care organization.
Relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting, services, and programs.
Relating to the provision of certain behavioral health services, including intensive outpatient services and partial hospitalization services, under Medicaid.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the provision of behavioral health crisis services, including the establishment of crisis centers and mobile crisis teams; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of property owned by a charitable organization that provides a meeting place and support services for organizations that provide assistance to persons with substance use disorders and their families.
Relating to a counseling and crisis management program for relative or other designated caregivers and children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to a counseling and crisis management program for relative or other designated caregivers and children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.