House Bill 42 Summary

• Defines "behavioral health" as an integrated system for evaluation and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.

• Establishes definitions for "family support partner" and "peer support specialist" as individuals with lived experience who assist others and meet Department of Health and Welfare certification standards.

• Revises the State Behavioral Health Planning Council membership to include consumers, families, behavioral health advocates, prevention specialists, and representatives from principal state agencies and the judicial branch.

• Increases Regional Behavioral Health Board membership from 22 to 23 members and clarifies the appointing authority composition to include the current chair of the regional behavioral health board and a department representative.

• Establishes that the planning council must evaluate regional board readiness to administer family support and recovery support services and may recommend regional behavioral health centers assume responsibility if boards fail to fulfill their duties.