CO HB1097

Establishes a Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) as a single state agency to coordinate and integrate behavioral health services in Colorado, based on September 2020 recommendations from the Colorado Behavioral Health Task Force.

Requires the State Department of Human Services to develop a plan by November 1, 2021, for creating the BHA, including governance structure, funding recommendations, data integration strategies, and coordination with local, county, and tribal governments.

The BHA, established by July 1, 2022, must serve as the primary agency responsible for state behavioral health programs and ensure equitable access to integrated mental health and substance use disorder services regardless of ability to pay or other demographic factors.

BHA duties include coordinating community behavioral health funding, monitoring and reporting outcomes across the state, promoting integrated behavioral and physical health care, and addressing social determinants of health such as housing, transportation, and employment.

The State Department must report by November 1, 2024, on whether the BHA should remain in the State Department or transfer to a different state department; if no legislative action occurs by June 30, 2025, the BHA remains in the State Department.