According to the AP (2/17, Witte), on Feb. 17, “a bipartisan group of Maryland lawmakers…gathered to express their support for a package of legislation to modernize and improve access to mental health services in the state.” The proposals are aimed at “getting people help earlier, preferably in community and primary care settings, before they experience a mental health crisis requiring costly trips to the emergency room or in-patient care.” The measures include funding for a 988 suicide and crisis prevention hotline, reimbursement for collaborative care, expansion of “intensive in-home, and case management behavioral services for youths,” as well as extension of telehealth coverage, a plan for community health clinics, and a new behavioral health commission.
Related Links:
— “Maryland lawmakers want to modernize mental health services “Brian Witte, AP, February 17, 2023