CA AB 2237

Title: Children and youth: transfer of specialty mental health services.
Author: Cecilia M. Aguiar-Curry

Summary
AB 2237, as amended, Aguiar-Curry. Children and youth: transfer of specialty mental health services. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services (department), under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Under existing law, specialty mental health services include federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services provided to eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries under 21 years of age.This bill would require, when a child or youth 18 years of age or younger changes residence from one county to another, the receiving county to provide specialty mental health services while the receiving county conducts its investigation and casework transfer process, if specified conditions are met, including, but not limited to, that the child or youth has been identified by the county of original residence as high risk or coming from a vulnerable population. The bill also would require the State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services to collaborate to create a system of standardized communication between counties that respects the procedures of the receiving county and the needs of the child that is without mental health services, and require the State Department of Social Services to establish care teams to help counties coordinate and expedite the transfer between counties. By increasing duties of counties administering the Medi-Cal program, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Status
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on HUM. S. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (April 9).

Bill Documents
CA AB 2237 - 03/18/24 - Amended Assembly
03/18/24 - CA AB 2237 (03/18/24 - Amended Assembly)