AZ HB2796

Beginning October 1, 2013, the Department of Economic Security must provide behavioral health services for children in foster care, relative placements, certified adoptive homes, and independent living programs in counties with populations exceeding 500,000 persons.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System administration shall contract directly with the Department of Health Services for delivery of behavioral health services to eligible persons, except for children already receiving such services under the foster care provisions.

Modifies Section 8-512 to add behavioral health services as a component of comprehensive medical and dental care provided to dependent children, with specific rules to be adopted by the department.

An unspecified amount of monies is transferred from the Department of Health Services to the Department of Economic Security in fiscal year 2012-2013 to fund implementation of behavioral health services under this act.

The appropriation made for this act is exempt from lapsing provisions, allowing any unspent funds to carry forward.