NC H536

Appropriates $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 to award competitive grants for establishment of up to two new facility-based crisis centers for children and adolescents in North Carolina.

Appropriates $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 to expand the community paramedicine pilot program statewide, enabling paramedics to provide community-based care that reduces unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

Appropriates $225,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 to continue operating 13 existing community paramedic mobile crisis management program sites designed to divert behavioral health consumers from emergency departments.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and Fiscal Research Division by April 2, 2018 on grants awarded, program expansion progress, and savings achieved from these initiatives.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.