NC H209

Appropriates $1,000,000 in recurring General Fund dollars for each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Central Management and Support, Office of Rural Health.

Allocates funds to the East Carolina University Center for Telepsychiatry and e-Behavioral Health to expand the NC-STeP (statewide telepsychiatry program) established under G.S. 143B-139.4B.

Establishes five new STeP program sites in underserved areas across North Carolina using an integrated care model embedded in existing primary care clinics.

Provides evidence-based, outpatient mental health care to patients who currently lack access to behavioral health services through the community-based program.

Becomes effective July 1, 2021.