HB22-1303 Summary

• Appropriates $60.9 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to create at least 125 additional residential mental health beds statewide and 16 additional beds at Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan.

• Requires Department of Human Services and Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to create, develop, or contract for mental health residential facilities by July 1, 2024, prioritizing individuals with severe mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

• Mandates mental health residential facilities provide minimum services including medication assistance, direct support personnel, intensive case management, life skills training, and non-medical transportation.

• Establishes licensing requirements through Behavioral Health Administration for mental health residential facilities operating on or after July 1, 2023, with rules addressing health, safety, welfare, and treatment standards.

• Requires all appropriated funds to be spent or obligated by December 30, 2024, with any obligated funds expended by December 30, 2026.