HB 22-1214 Summary

• Adds mobile crisis programs and respite services to Colorado's behavioral health crisis response system and requires facility-based crisis service providers to meet state approval standards and be designated as approved treatment facilities.

• Mandates all crisis walk-in centers be appropriately licensed and staffed to serve individuals with substance use disorders or disabilities, prioritizing high-acuity treatment in least restrictive environments without law enforcement involvement.

• Requires mobile crisis programs and crisis walk-in centers to provide crisis response screening services to any individual seeking them, including youth of any age and individuals with disabilities, regardless of primary diagnosis or need for assistance with daily living activities.

• Authorizes crisis walk-in centers to expand capacity by using telehealth operations for mobile crisis evaluations in partnership with hospitals, clinics, law enforcement agencies, and other service providers.

• Specifies that additional behavioral health services beyond crisis response screening must comply with all applicable state laws regarding mental health and substance use disorder services.