Relates to setting integrated behavioral health services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monique Chandler-Waterman and 2 co-sponsors

Establish a comprehensive framework for outpatient services, focusing on mental health to standardize access, quality, and coordination for patients, providers, and agencies.

RETURNED TO SENATE

Overview

Bill Number: A 329

Title: Relates to setting comprehensive outpatient services

Sponsor: Chantel Jackson (primary)

Status: PRINT NUMBER 329A (amended version in process)

Introduced: January 8, 2025

Legislative Actions:

2025-01-08: Referred to Mental Health
2025-03-14: Amend and Recommit to Mental Health
2025-03-14: Print Number 329A (amended version)

Related bills: A 8099 and A 3870 (prior-session), S 3051 (companion)

Purpose and intent

Based on the bill’s title and the committee actions, A 329 aims to establish a framework for “comprehensive outpatient services.” The amendment and recommitment to the Mental Health committee on March 14, 2025, indicates a focus on outpatient services in the mental health or broader behavioral health context, with ongoing refinement through the amendment process. The exact statutory language and scope are not available in the provided excerpt, but the bill appears designed to standardize, expand, or reorganize outpatient service delivery and related oversight.

Key provisions (availability and limitations)

The exact provisions of A 329 and the content of the A 329A amendment are not included in the materials provided (the PDF/content excerpt is garbled).

Based on the schedule of actions, the bill is undergoing amendments within the Mental Health committee, suggesting changes to definitions, service requirements, provider qualifications, eligibility, timelines, or reporting, all framed around outpatient services.

The bill’s labeling as “comprehensive outpatient services” implies a broad, possibly integrated approach to ensuring access, coordination, and quality in outpatient care, potentially including mental health services.

Note: Without the full text, specific provisions (e.g., funding mechanisms, eligibility criteria, performance metrics, regulatory requirements) cannot be confirmed here.

Affected parties and impact

Likely affected: patients and service recipients requiring outpatient care, outpatient providers and clinics, and state or county-level health/mental health agencies responsible for implementation and oversight.

Given the emphasis on mental health in the committee actions, the bill may directly impact mental health outpatient services, coverage standards, and coordination with other health services.

Related bills (A 8099, A 3870, S 3051) suggest cross- references or companion measures in the same policy area.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and Referral: January 8, 2025 (referred to Mental Health)

Amendments: March 14, 2025 (amend and recommit to Mental Health)

Version: A 329A (amended version; exact changes not disclosed in the provided text)

Next steps: The bill will likely progress through further committee consideration, potential floor action, and negotiations around the final text and any fiscal notes or regulatory impact statements.

Takeaways for readers

A 329 aims to establish a comprehensive framework for outpatient services, with current actions focused on mental health policy and program oversight.

The precise policy details, funding, and implementation timeline await release of the full text (A 329A).

Stakeholders should watch for subsequent committee votes, finalized amendments, and any fiscal considerations associated with outpatient service expansion or reform.

Bill