This bill amends existing law to allow community mental health providers to operate independently from community mental health programs. Specifically, it modifies RSA 135-C:7 by allowing any city, county, town, nonprofit corporation, or other organization that provides clinical mental health services to establish and administer community mental health programs. The bill also updates the required services to include psychological screening and evaluation instead of psychiatric services. Additionally, it introduces a new section, RSA 135-C:7-a, which defines "community mental health provider" and outlines their responsibilities, including the provision of Medicaid-funded services deemed medically necessary by licensed professionals.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules regarding the eligibility and compliance of community mental health providers. It also adds a new subparagraph to RSA 135-C:10, which recognizes services provided through these independent community mental health providers. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, although a fiscal impact note is currently pending as the Department of Health and Human Services has not yet provided the necessary information.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135-C:7, 135-C:10