MS HB1218

Renames mental health courts to "Rivers McGraw Mental Health Treatment Court Act" and adds "treatment" throughout statutory references to emphasize behavioral health focus.

Requires all mental and behavioral health treatment providers directly administering services to participants be licensed by appropriate state licensing boards or hold current certification from the State Department of Mental Health.

Expands data collection requirements for mental health treatment courts to include monthly reporting on participants receiving treatment, psychiatric facility admissions, psychotropic medication usage, and demographic information on applications by race, gender, and offense type.

Establishes new certification and recertification process requiring the Administrative Office of Courts to certify mental health treatment courts every two years, with certification expiring December 31 of odd-numbered calendar years.

Adds definitions for behavioral health, clinical assessment, co-occurring disorders, evidence-based practices, substance use disorder, and risk/needs screening to align statutory language with current treatment standards and Bureau of Justice Assistance guidelines.