SB 5779 - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Establishes the youth behavioral health protection act.

Addresses a health care integration model in which behavioral health care is colocated, collaborative, and integrated within a primary care setting.

Requires the state health care authority to: (1) In order to increase the availability of behavioral health services to children and youth and incentivize adoption of the primary care behavioral health model, establish a methodology and rate which provides increased reimbursement to providers for behavioral health services provided to patients up to eighteen years of age in primary care settings;

(2) Complete a review of payment codes available to health plans and providers related to behavioral health;

(3) Create a matrix listing behavioral health-related codes available for provider payment through medical assistance programs; and

(4) Along with the department of social and health services, establish a performance measure to be integrated into the statewide common measure set which tracks the degree of integration of behavioral health services in primary care settings.