NC H461

Establishes a two-year pilot program in New Hanover County to assess and navigate individuals with mental health or substance use disorders to community-based services and reduce hospital emergency department utilization.

Creates a three-person centralized team consisting of a master's-level licensed clinician, a qualified professional navigator, and a North Carolina certified peer support specialist to provide assessments, care coordination, and peer support services.

Pilot program operates at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Wellness City (operated by Recovery Innovations, Inc.).

Requires interim report by July 1, 2018, and final report by July 1, 2019, to the Department of Health and Human Services Division and Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on program effectiveness and recommendations.

Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019 to fund the pilot program; effective July 1, 2017.