SB 16 - Public Health Budget Implementation Summary

• Establishes the Office of Health Strategy as a new executive office effective July 1, 2018, transferring health planning, all-payer claims database, and health information technology functions from the Department of Public Health and Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

• Reorganizes the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services by elevating the Whiting Forensic Division to independent hospital status (Whiting Forensic Hospital) with a director reporting directly to the commissioner.

• Creates reporting requirements for patient abuse in behavioral health facilities, establishing mandatory reporter obligations and penalties, with investigations by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services within 45 days.

• Expands newborn screening requirements to include additional disorders approved by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the recommended uniform screening panel under federal law.

• Reduces state payments to municipal health departments and health districts proportionately if appropriations are exceeded during a fiscal year.