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Bill

SB 790

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 Malcolm Augustine

Maryland establishes behavioral health advisory bodies to develop and implement comprehensive early screening and treatment plans for children under Medicaid's EPSDT program.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 686
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Bill Summary · SB 790

Legislative bill overview

SB 790 establishes a Behavioral Health Advisory Council and Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access in Maryland, with a mandate to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements. The bill creates governance structures to coordinate behavioral health services and ensure compliance with federal Medicaid EPSDT provisions for children and adolescents.

Why is this important

EPSDT is a federal Medicaid benefit requiring states to provide comprehensive preventive and treatment services for children under 21. This legislation formalizes Maryland's approach to behavioral health screening and treatment access, potentially improving early intervention for mental health and substance use disorders in low-income youth. Implementation could reduce downstream costs associated with untreated behavioral health conditions and improve health equity.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding unclear: The bill mandates planning and implementation but doesn't specify budget allocations, potentially creating unfunded mandates for state agencies
  • Coordination complexity: Multiple councils/commissions may create bureaucratic redundancy or unclear authority over behavioral health policy implementation
  • Access equity concerns: Success depends heavily on provider availability and reimbursement rates; underserved regions may struggle to expand services despite new requirements

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

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