NC H822

Department of Health and Human Services shall develop and implement a State Comprehensive Plan for the Publicly Funded Behavioral Health System covering mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury services, with initial plan due January 31, 2020 and annual updates thereafter.

Comprehensive Plan must include a mission statement, 10-year vision (reviewed every 3 years), three-year goals (reviewed annually), and specific 12-month measurable objectives addressing the publicly funded behavioral health system including Medicaid and NC Health Choice.

Department shall assess and report on staffing levels, access standards (geographic location, travel time, wait times, emergency department hold times), financial performance of Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs), service utilization, care coordination, and treatment effectiveness.

Department shall define outcomes and data to measure progress in at least five areas: employment, education, homelessness, imprisonment, and social determinants of health.

If the Department cannot complete the plan by December 1 before the January 31 deadline, it must engage a third-party vendor to complete the plan at no additional appropriation; Department policies must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.