Resolve, To Preserve and Support Community Treatment Options for Children's Behavioral Health Needs

Sec. 1. Children's behavioral health services. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall preserve and support community treatment options for children’s behavioral health needs through the following:

1. Assessment of section 65(m) and (n) services. By December 1, 2007 the department shall perform a comprehensive assessment of outcomes from MaineCare services provided under MaineCare Rule chapter 101, chapter II, section 65(m) and (n), including how many evidence-based practices are supported under the reimbursement structure, how and to what extent services provided under MaineCare Rule chapter 101, chapter II, section 65(m) and (n) have improved children's functioning in the community and the value and cost-effectiveness of the central referral process;

2. Assessment of children's community behavioral health. By December 1, 2007 the department shall perform a comprehensive assessment of children’s community behavioral health needs and services under the MaineCare program that provides information on what needs are being met and what needs are not being met under the current array of services reimbursed; and

3. Legislative review. Beginning October 1, 2007, the department shall impose a moratorium on the elimination of children’s community-based mental health services until after the assessments required under subsections 1 and 2 have been completed and reviewed by families, providers and other stakeholders and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters.

Summary

This resolve provides a method of assessing children’s community behavioral health needs and the services that are being provided. The resolve directs the Department of Health and Human Services to perform 2 assessments and to impose a moratorium on the elimination of children’s community behavioral health services until the assessments have been performed and reviewed.