The bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to enhance the framework for behavioral health services, particularly focusing on definitions, parental charges, access to services, and costs associated with involuntary treatment. A significant change is the revision of the definition of "designated examiner," which now refers to individuals meeting specific qualifications rather than a predefined list of mental health professionals. The bill clarifies that all services related to a child's free appropriate public education must be provided at no cost to parents and establishes that access to services should be voluntary when informed consent is possible. It also outlines the financial responsibilities of parents regarding involuntary treatment costs and emphasizes community-based treatment and timely assessments for individuals in the criminal justice system.

Additionally, the bill modifies the responsibilities of the Department of Correction and the Department of Health and Welfare concerning treatment for defendants with substance use disorders and serious mental illnesses. It specifies that these departments will bear the costs of assessments and treatments unless the defendant is in a program funded by another source, and it introduces new language to determine costs based on actual service expenses and the defendant's ability to pay. The bill also establishes a new section defining "behavioral health services" and outlines the financial responsibilities of individuals receiving such services, capping annual costs at five percent of the household's adjusted gross income. Overall, the bill aims to streamline mental health and substance use disorder treatment while ensuring fair cost assessments and management.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-2403, 16-2405, 16-2406, 16-2431, 16-2433, 16-2434, 19-2524, 39-306, 39-309, 39-311, 39-3137, 39-3140, 66-317, 20-511A, 20-519B