Behavioral Health Crisis Response Services - 9-8-8 Trust Fund Fees
Impact
The bill will enhance Maryland's capacity to address behavioral health crises, facilitating quicker access to necessary services through the established 9–8–8 system. By ensuring a designated funding source, the legislation intends to streamline the provision of mental health support and crisis intervention, ultimately aiming to reduce response times and improve outcomes for individuals in crisis. This could lead to a significant positive change in how mental health emergencies are managed at a state level, potentially aligning Maryland with national best practices.
Summary
House Bill 933 establishes a funding mechanism for behavioral health crisis response services in Maryland by creating a 9–8–8 Trust Fund. This fund will collect fees from subscribers of local exchange access and commercial mobile radio services to assist in covering costs associated with maintaining 9–8–8 as a universal number for mental health crises. It also introduces a prepaid wireless fee applied to certain retail transactions. The collection of these fees aims to support the funding for crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams, and other mental health services in Maryland as aligned with federal guidelines.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 933 appears to be generally positive, as it addresses a critical area of public health and aims to provide essential services to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Legislators support the creation of the trust fund as a proactive measure to enhance mental health resources. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the fee structure and its effects on consumers, especially those who already may be struggling financially.
Contention
While the intent of HB 933 is to increase mental health services accessibility, discussions indicated that some stakeholders raised concerns about the additional fees imposed on telecommunications services. There are worries that relying on these fees may disproportionately affect low-income individuals who depend on prepaid wireless services. Moreover, legislators are careful to ensure that the establishment of this fund does not detract from other critical funding sources for behavioral health services.
Relating to the provision of behavioral health crisis services, including measures to fund and support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and related services.
Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
Imposes a surcharge on monthly phone bills to fund the costs associated with the administration, design, installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline in New York state; establishes the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline trust fund.