MD HB1083

The Behavioral Health Advisory Council and the Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access must provide recommendations to implement federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements for children based on CMS State Health Official letter #24-005.

Recommendations must address screening and assessment of behavioral health conditions, community-based services, services for early symptoms (with or without diagnosis), and urgent/crisis needs.

The workgroup must evaluate the feasibility of implementing the DC:0-5 Diagnostic Classification system as a diagnostic tool for patients under age 5.

Required consultation with behavioral health professionals, early childhood mental health specialists, clinicians, children with behavioral health issues, advocates, parents/caregivers, and other stakeholders.

Maryland Department of Health must submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026; the Act takes effect July 1, 2025 and was approved May 20, 2025.