House Bill No. introduced by J. Gillette aims to implement the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model in Montana. The bill mandates the Department of Public Health and Human Services to establish a program for these clinics by October 1, 2026, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. It outlines the department's responsibilities, including determining reimbursement rates, monitoring clinic services, and providing quarterly updates to legislative committees on the program's implementation and its impacts on behavioral health services. The bill also establishes specific requirements for certified clinics, such as providing targeted case management, peer support services, and outreach efforts, while ensuring that billing practices prioritize private insurance before Medicaid.
Additionally, the bill introduces an incentive program to financially support clinics that demonstrate exceptional outcomes, with the department tasked to develop and implement this program. The new legal language includes provisions for performance measurements, reporting requirements, and the establishment of a sliding fee scale for services. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, with the intention of enhancing the quality and accessibility of behavioral health care in the state.