WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1083

Behavioral Health Advisory Council and the Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access - Plan to Implement Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 32 co-sponsors

Maryland creates advisory councils to develop a plan expanding mental health screening and treatment access for children through Medicaid's EPSDT program.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 687
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1083

Legislative bill overview

HB 1083 establishes a Behavioral Health Advisory Council and Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access in Maryland, tasked with developing and implementing a plan to expand Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements. The bill requires these bodies to assess current behavioral health screening practices, identify gaps in treatment access, and create a comprehensive implementation strategy for improved youth mental health services.

Why is this important

EPSDT is a federally-mandated Medicaid benefit that ensures children receive preventive health services, yet behavioral health screening and treatment access remain inconsistent across states. Maryland's legislation directly addresses gaps in youth mental health identification and treatment, potentially reducing untreated behavioral health conditions that can escalate into crisis situations and affecting educational outcomes and public safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation and funding: The bill establishes new councils and commissions requiring staff, administrative costs, and operational funding without explicitly specifying budget sources or whether existing resources will be reallocated.
  • Implementation timeline and accountability: While the bill mandates a plan be created, enforcement mechanisms, timelines for actual service expansion, and accountability measures for achieving stated goals are not detailed.
  • Scope of behavioral health definition: The bill doesn't clearly define which behavioral health conditions are prioritized, potentially creating disputes about resource distribution between substance abuse treatment, mental illness, developmental disorders, and other areas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.