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HB 1146

Maryland Behavioral Health Crisis Response System – Integration of 9–8–8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network and Outcome Evaluations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 21 co-sponsors

Maryland integrates 988 suicide lifeline into behavioral health crisis response, requiring outcome evaluations to measure effectiveness and coordinate services across providers and emergency response.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 659
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Bill Summary · HB 1146

Legislative bill overview

HB 1146 establishes Maryland's behavioral health crisis response system by integrating the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline into the state's emergency response infrastructure. The bill requires outcome evaluations and data collection to measure the effectiveness of crisis interventions, and mandates coordination between behavioral health providers, emergency services, and the lifeline network.

Why is this important

Mental health crises increasingly strain emergency services designed for medical emergencies, and many individuals in crisis lack accessible alternatives to 911. By creating a dedicated crisis response pathway through 988, Maryland can potentially divert non-emergency behavioral health calls from overburdened police and emergency rooms, allowing more appropriate interventions and reducing unnecessary arrests or hospitalizations of people in crisis.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and implementation costs: Establishing a comprehensive crisis response system requires significant state and local investment; the bill's success depends on adequate ongoing funding, which may be contested during budget cycles
  • Data privacy and information sharing: Integrating behavioral health data across multiple agencies raises concerns about privacy protections, especially for vulnerable populations and those seeking confidential mental health support
  • Response equity and rural access: Questions remain about whether 988 services and mobile crisis teams will reach underserved rural areas equally, or if implementation creates disparities in access based on geography or socioeconomic status

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

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