The Substitute House Bill No. 7109 aims to enhance behavioral health services for children and adolescents, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder, by implementing recommendations from the Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee. Key provisions include the establishment of a grant program funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support state-certified behavioral health clinics. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to develop reimbursement models for acuity-based care coordination and create a value-based payment system for providers. It also raises the age limit for individuals receiving behavioral therapy from "children less than twenty-one" to "individuals under twenty-six," ensuring that therapy is provided or supervised by licensed professionals. Additionally, the bill requires a report on the expenditure of grant funds and their impact on behavioral outcomes by November 1, 2025, and mandates a review of private health insurance coverage for urgent crisis center services.

Furthermore, the bill expands the responsibilities of mandated reporters to include behavior analysts and establishes protocols for the Department of Children and Families to notify the Department of Public Health regarding child abuse reports involving behavior analysts. The Department of Public Health is required to investigate these reports and take disciplinary actions if necessary. An advisory committee is also established to provide guidance on the regulatory framework for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, which must report its findings by November 1, 2025. The bill eliminates previous provisions requiring the Department of Social Services to increase Medicaid coverage and provider rates for ABA services, while introducing new sections and provisions aimed at improving the safety and accountability of behavior analysts working with children. The effective dates for various sections of the bill range from July 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026.