Advocacy Alert: California DHCS Opens Public Comments for Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1

November 21, 2024

via HDCS

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) invites Californians to provide public comment on the first set of directions to counties on their behavioral health transformation. Comments will be accepted on the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 from November 8 through December 2, 2024. The final document will provide guidance to counties in developing their new integrated behavioral plan as required by Proposition 1. To streamline the process of engaging and incorporating public feedback, DHCS developed a digital tool that will allow the public to submit their comments more easily.

The County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual guides counties and partner organizations in meeting Proposition 1's goals, including integrated community planning, expanded funding, and housing support for people in need. The public comment period allows Californians to provide insights on each section, ensuring the transformation aligns with community needs.

To support clarity and efficiency, DHCS is releasing the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual in smaller, more manageable parts called "modules." Each module focuses on specific areas of policy and procedure, allowing stakeholders to engage with and understand each section in depth. Module 1 includes guidance on County Integrated Plans, community planning, funding, and housing interventions. The module is being released using software that will allow Californians to directly submit feedback that can be analyzed and incorporated into the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual.

DHCS encourages interested Californians to review and comment on the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 to provide input here. An instructional training video provides additional guidance on submitting comments. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. PST on December 2, 2024. For any specific public comment-related inquiries, please email BHTPolicyFeedback@dhcs.ca.gov.

Read the full announcement here. An instructional training video provides additional guidance on submitting comments. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. PST on December 2, 2024. For any specific public comment-related inquiries, please email BHTPolicyFeedback@dhcs.ca.gov.

Read the full announcement here.

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