Behavioral Health

Behavioral health is a public policy priority with a significant impact on other policy priorities: access, financial challenges, emergency services, governmental mandates, and workforce.  Barriers to timely access and coordinated services include:

• System capacity to deliver behavioral health care including community-based levels of care
• Sufficiency of the behavioral health care workforce
• Integration of behavioral health with primary care
• Coordination of care for the mild/moderately ill and seriously ill
• Lack clarity on organizational roles and responsibilities resulting in less effective care coordination and timely reimbursement

To support member concerns the Hospital Council will, consistent with Board approved policies:

1. Implement Behavioral Health Action Plans in counties prioritized through the 2017 Behavioral Health Task Force process.
2. Advocate for adoption of policies by county mental health departments that improve access and coordination of patient care as well as timely triage, treatment, and transfers from hospital emergency departments to other appropriate care settings. (Also included in Emergency Services advocacy activities)
3. Convene and advocate at the local level for implementation of recommendations from the CHA Leading the Way initiative as approved by the sections and support CHA’s state advocacy initiatives as requested.