HB 4713 Summary

• Establishes a Division on Behavioral Health for Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect and assist these populations with behavioral health matters.

• Division director must hold a master's degree in human services, be fluent in American Sign Language, have hearing loss support specialist certification, and possess knowledge of behavioral health issues.

• Division responsibilities include advocating for access to behavioral health services, coordinating with service providers, maintaining statistics on behavioral health issues, providing technical assistance on communication accessibility, and ensuring access to qualified interpreters and assistive technologies.

• Creates the Division on Behavioral Health for Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Wellness Fund within the state treasury to receive gifts, grants, and other funds, with money remaining in the fund at fiscal year end rather than lapsing to the general fund.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent upon passage of House Bill 4714 (companion legislation establishing an advisory commission).