This bill amends sections 71-809 and 71-812 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to enhance the framework for regional behavioral health authorities and the Behavioral Health Services Fund. Key changes include the introduction of a public competitive bidding process for behavioral health services, with an exception allowing for services to be provided without bidding if there are no qualified providers or with written authorization from the director. Additionally, the bill mandates that regional behavioral health authorities adopt a policy for determining financial eligibility of consumers and establish a uniform schedule of fees and copays, ensuring these are applied consistently across providers.

Furthermore, the Behavioral Health Services Fund is established to support the development of community-based behavioral health services, with provisions for grants and reimbursements to service providers. The bill expands the use of funds to include housing-related assistance for very low-income adults with serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders. It also outlines the criteria for defining serious mental illness and the types of housing-related assistance that can be provided. Overall, the bill aims to improve the delivery and funding of behavioral health services in Nebraska while ensuring accountability and uniformity in service provision.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-809, 71-812
Final Reading: 71-809, 71-812
Slip Law: 71-809, 71-812