CA SB970

Establishes the California MHSA Outcomes and Accountability Review (MHSA-OAR) by July 1, 2025, to create a local accountability system for county mental health programs funded by the Mental Health Services Fund.

Requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to convene a workgroup by October 1, 2023, to develop performance indicators (process and outcome measures), county self-assessment processes, and county system improvement plans on a three-year cycle.

Mandates counties complete self-assessments every three years, identify strengths and weaknesses in their practices, and submit system improvement plans approved by their boards of supervisors.

Requires counties to include a peer review element conducted by peer counties to provide technical assistance and insight on best practices for continuous quality improvement.

Directs the agency to request the University of California enter into a contract to analyze how mental health services data can demonstrate the impact of MHSF-funded services on life outcomes, with analysis due by July 1, 2024.