CA AB1470

Requires the Department of Health Care Services to standardize data elements and documentation requirements for behavioral health services (mental health and substance use disorder services) under Medi-Cal, including medically necessary criteria and claim adjudication information.

Mandates development of standard forms for intake, assessment, and treatment planning that comply with federal Medicaid law, CalAIM Terms and Conditions, and privacy laws including HIPAA and the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act.

Requires the department to conduct regional trainings by July 1, 2025 for personnel and provider networks of county mental health plans, Medi-Cal managed care plans, and fee-for-service entities on proper completion of standard forms, with training materials distributed to all provider networks.

Requires all applicable entities to commence using the standard forms no later than July 1, 2025, and authorizes the department to restrict additional documentation requirements beyond those on standard forms while ensuring quality, program integrity, equity, and disparities mitigation.

Mandates the department prepare reports on standardized form utilization and training effectiveness by July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2028, submitted to the Legislature and posted on the department's website.