DHCS KICKS OFF COUNTY TRANSFORMATION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN PROPOSITION 1: SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW DIGITAL POLICY MANUAL

SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) invites Californians to provide public comment on the first set of directions to counties on their behavioral health transformation. Comments will be accepted on the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 from November 8 through December 2, 2024. The final document will provide guidance to counties in developing their new integrated behavioral plan as required by Proposition 1. To streamline the process of engaging and incorporating public feedback, DHCS developed a digital tool that will allow the public to submit their comments more easily.

“Through Proposition 1, we are transforming and enhancing the behavioral health landscape in California, making services more accessible and equitable," said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We value public input as we work to implement these policies and make improvements that will benefit all Californians."

WHAT'S IN THE MANUAL: The County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual guides counties and partner organizations in meeting Proposition 1's goals, including integrated community planning, expanded funding, and housing support for people in need. The public comment period allows Californians to provide insights on each section, ensuring the transformation aligns with community needs.

Once final, the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual will be a multi-module comprehensive guide that helps counties and partner organizations comply with behavioral health transformation requirements as detailed in the Behavioral Health Services Act, including developing and implementing County Integrated Plans.   

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: To support clarity and efficiency, DHCS is releasing the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual in smaller, more manageable parts called “modules." Each module focuses on specific areas of policy and procedure, allowing stakeholders to engage with and understand each section in depth. Module 1 includes guidance on County Integrated Plans, community planning, funding, and housing interventions. The module is being released using software that will allow Californians to directly submit feedback that can be analyzed and incorporated into the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual.

HOW TO COMMENT: DHCS encourages interested Californians to review and comment on the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 to provide input through the user-friendly, online platform. This innovative platform allows for more interactive engagement, including new search-friendly functions to aid the content development process, allowing input to be easily provided and taken into consideration. An instructional training video provides additional guidance on submitting comments. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. PST on December 2, 2024. For any specific public comment-related inquiries, please email BHTPolicyFeedback@dhcs.ca.gov.

BIGGER PICTURE: Under Governor Gavin Newsom, California is modernizing the behavioral health delivery system to improve accountability, increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities for Californians. Proposition 1, which was passed by voters in May 2024, includes two parts: a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for treatment settings and housing with services, and historic reform of the Behavioral Health Services Act to focus on people with the most serious illnesses, substance use disorders, and housing needs. DHCS is implementing Proposition 1, including the Behavioral Health Services Act, through several initiatives that will transform behavioral health to improve services for Californians. More information about California's transformation of the state's entire mental health and substance use disorder system is available at mentalhealth.ca.gov.

LEARN MORE: For general Behavioral Health Transformation-related inquiries or feedback, please email BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov. Please visit the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage for updates and additional resources, including recordings of recent public meetings.