FL H1509

Amends Florida Statutes section 394.9082 to revise the structure and operations of behavioral health managing entities contracted with the Department of Children and Family Services.

Redefines "managing entity" to require incorporation as a nonprofit organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and establishes 15 core functions including financial accountability, utilization management, provider monitoring, quality improvement, and strategic planning implementation.

Prohibits substance abuse and mental health service providers from serving on a managing entity's governance board, while requiring inclusion of consumers, family members, and community stakeholders; allows private-receiving facilities one ex officio representative.

Requires managing entities to operate transparently with public access to information and meetings; mandates onsite readiness reviews by the department before contracting and establishes objective competency standards through community stakeholder engagement.

Refocuses department regional and circuit offices to monitor managing entities and systemic issues rather than day-to-day provider operations, while maintaining ultimate departmental accountability for expenditure of substance abuse and mental health public funds; effective July 1, 2012.