An Act To Improve Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Care by Providing Care in Clinical Reproductive and Sexual Health Care Settings

Sec. 1. 34-B MRSA §3012  is enacted to read:

§ 3012.  Mental health and behavioral health services in reproductive and sexual health care settings

In accordance with Title 22, chapter 406, the department shall create a program to provide for the delivery of mental health and behavioral health services in clinical reproductive and sexual health care settings through the deployment of licensed mental health professionals in those settings and by enhancing patient screening and care coordination. The program implemented pursuant to this section must provide for access to mental health and behavioral health services for populations at risk for mental health issues and substance use disorder, including by means of early identification by a licensed mental health professional or health care provider, intervention and referral. The department shall issue requests for proposals from providers of family planning services, as defined in Title 22, section 1902, subsection 4, in order to provide for the delivery of mental health and behavioral health services pursuant to this section. "Licensed mental health professional" means a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, certified social worker or licensed clinical professional counselor.

Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

Initiative: Provides funds for the delivery of mental health and behavioral health services in reproductive and sexual health care settings.

GENERAL FUND	2019-20	2020-21
All Other	$0	$150,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$150,000

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a program within the Department of Health and Human Services to deliver mental health and behavioral health services in clinical reproductive and sexual health care settings through the deployment of licensed mental health professionals in those settings and by enhancing patient screening and care coordination. It includes an appropriations and allocations section with a $150,000 annual appropriation beginning in fiscal year 2020-21.