MD SB39

Establishes a Workgroup on Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Implementation and Rate Methodology within the Behavioral Health Administration to develop a sustainable statewide payment model, with findings due to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2027

Requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct a cost-driven rate study of outpatient mental health centers (OMHCs) examining actual service delivery costs, current reimbursement adequacy, and methodology for sustainable cost-based rates

Mandates at least 3% annual reimbursement rate increases for OMHCs in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the Governor's budget required to include these increases for FY2027 and FY2028

Requires the Department to convene an Outpatient Mental Health Centers Rate Reform Advisory Panel to review and approve the new rate-setting methodology, with final regulations due by July 1, 2027

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with the CCBHC workgroup provisions (Section 1) automatically sunsetting on June 30, 2028