This bill establishes the Children's Behavioral Health Services Division within the Health Care Authority, transferring the operations of the existing Behavioral Health Services Division from the Children, Youth and Families Department. The new division will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and providing behavioral health services for children across New Mexico. Key provisions include the appointment of a director to lead the division, who will coordinate with various departments to develop a comprehensive statewide behavioral health services plan and prepare annual reports on service needs and gaps.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific amendments to existing laws, including the addition of new responsibilities for the Health Care Authority and the Children’s Behavioral Health Services Division. Notably, it mandates the transfer of up to ninety percent of personnel, along with associated functions, appropriations, and contracts from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the new division by July 1, 2026. This restructuring aims to enhance the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services for children in state custody, ensuring better coordination among relevant agencies.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 9-2A-8, 9-8-4, 9-8-6