HI HB1123

Clarifies and updates the Department of Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division's responsibilities to reflect current mental health systems of care for children and adolescents in Hawaii.

Establishes definitions for "client" (child or adolescent receiving services) and "division" (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division) within Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Updates Section 321-171 to specify the department's responsibility to provide preventative health services and diagnostic and treatment services for emotionally disturbed children and adolescents, with services delivered as soon as reasonably possible.

Changes the statewide child and adolescent mental health services plan from submission every four years to every five years, with initial submission no later than twenty days before the 2027 regular legislative session; requires the plan to include needs assessment, resource assessment, gap identification, and recommendations to address mental health needs.

Repeals Section 321-176 requiring biennial progress reviews and requires public hearings on the mental health services plan in accordance with Hawaii's open meetings law, with at least one hearing per county and three hearings in Honolulu.