SB 874: Medi-Cal: behavioral health treatment: stakeholder feedback.

The proposed legislation aims to improve the Medi-Cal program by enhancing the provision of behavioral health treatment (BHT) services. To ensure the quality and integrity of these services, certain individuals providing BHT must undergo background checks by July 1, 2027. A stakeholder workgroup consisting of BHT providers, managed care plans, and consumers will be convened to review the implementation of BHT services and provide clinical guidelines. Clear clinical guidance for the provision of BHT benefits will be released and maintained by April 1, 2028. The department will report to the legislature by January 1, 2029, on the utilization of the BHT benefit, changes made as a result of the workgroup, and recommendations for aligning Medi-Cal reimbursement practices with federal Medicaid program requirements.