The bill SB1311 seeks to enhance the oversight and evaluation of mental health services provided by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) by designating it as the primary agency responsible for monitoring regional behavioral health authorities. It introduces requirements for data collection and analysis related to clinical outcomes for members with serious mental illness (SMI), mandates semiannual reporting, and emphasizes the need for transparency in SMI designations. Key changes include the retention of applications for emergency admissions, the necessity for written justifications from medical directors, and the requirement for screening agencies to assist individuals in finding appropriate treatment services.

In contrast to current law, the bill modifies the oversight focus to specifically target AHCCCS contractors rather than all agencies, reduces the frequency of data analysis from monthly to semi-annually, and removes the annual review requirement for data collection forms. It also introduces new data collection mandates regarding hospitalizations and treatment adherence, establishes deadlines for implementation, and outlines the director's role in developing recommendations for improving information availability. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality, accountability, and transparency of mental health services in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-502, 36-520, 36-521, 36-523, 36-524, 36-527, 36-531, 35-173, 8-327, 13-501, 36-501, 13-4517, 13-4510
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-502, 36-520, 36-521, 36-523, 36-524, 36-527, 36-531, 36-2918, 35-173, 36-2901, 8-327, 13-501, 36-501, 13-4517, 13-4510
Chaptered Version: 36-502, 36-520, 36-521, 36-523, 36-524, 36-527, 36-531, 36-2918, 35-173, 36-2901, 8-327, 13-501, 36-501, 13-4517, 13-4510