Assembly Bill Archives - Page 6 of 9 - Mental Health America of California

AB 257 (FLORA) Specialty Telehealth-Care Network

February 28, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for AB 257 (Flora)

Dear Chair Bonta,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 257 (Flora), legislation that would establish a telehealth and other virtual services specialty care network, designed to serve patients of safety-net providers.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy. Californians in rural communities have the most difficulties accessing behavioral health care, which contributes to California’s growing health disparities.

AB 257 creates a network of rural health clinics, health centers, critical access hospitals, and other community health centers for the purpose of delivering tele-healthcare and other virtual services in communities that lack access. According to the California Health Care Foundation more than 67% of residents in the Central Valley, home to many rural agricultural communities, had to wait longer than reasonable for a mental health appointment in the last year.[1] In addition, more than half the residents believe their community doesn’t have enough mental health providers.

This specialty network will be instrumental to reducing mental health disparities and ensuring access to those who need it most. It is for these reasons we support AB 257 (Flora). If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

[1] KEY FINDINGS FROM THE 2024 CHCF CENTRAL VALLEY HEALTH POLICY SURVEY, California Health Care Foundation (2024)

AB 280 (AGUILAR-CURRY) Accurate Network Directories – Support

July 1^st, 2025

The Honorable Caroline Menjivar
Senate Health Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3310
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for AB 280 (Aguiar-Curry)

Dear Chair Menjivar,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) writes in support of AB 280 ([KV1] Aguiar-Curry), a bill that would increase the accuracy of provider directories by requiring health plans to ensure 95% accurate directories by 2029 or face penalties and fines. In addition, the bill would also protect enrollees from additional costs of services incurred from out of network providers due to inaccurate directories.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy. The accuracy of network provider directories is essential to receiving timely access to the mental and behavioral health services enrollees want and need.

California has made great strides toward expanding coverage for mental health services. This expansion requires health plans to provide an accurate network of providers that is available to enrollees. Inaccurate directories increase the time it takes enrollees to make appointments and delay the delivery of services. Furthermore, inaccurate directories put enrollees at risk of being denied coverage and having to pay out-of-pocket costs due to receiving services from an out-of-network provider. By holding health plans accountable to provide accurate directories and shielding enrollees from potential costs associated to these inaccuracies, enrollees will be able to receive the care they deserve in a timely manner preventing potential crisis from occurring.

It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 280 (Aguiar-Curry) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at kvicari@mhac.org or our Public Policy Coordinator, Danny Thirakul, at dthirakul@mhac.org.

In Community,

Karen Vicari
Director of Public Policy
Mental Health America of California

AB 0020 (DEMAIO) End Housing First – Oppose

February 28, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: OPPOSE AB 20 (DeMaio)

Dear Chair Bonta,

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 20 (DeMaio), a bill that would repeal and end the Housing First model. Housing First is a policy that addresses homelessness by addressing an individual’s primary social determinant of health, stable housing. This approach prioritizes housing regardless of an individual’s substance use, treatment history, or engagement in services. By providing permanent supportive housing for unhoused individuals, it ensures they have the foundation needed to address other determinants, leading to long-term positive health outcomes.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of youth action teams and a youth advisory board which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental and behavioral health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. This includes advocating for housing supports for the over 9,000 unaccompanied unhoused youth in California.[1]

The Housing First model is successful in reducing homelessness because it recognizes housing as a foundational support in someone’s health and wellness journey. When asked about their thoughts on ending Housing First, CAYEN Board member Caleb Merril, 24, explained that “The stability that housing provided, gave me the space to breathe and begin to see what I could achieve. Without that opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to truly focus on my recovery and build the foundation I needed to grow. Housing First works because it treats housing as a right, not something conditional on being ‘ready’. Everyone deserves the chance to find stability and safety, and dismantling this model would deny countless people the opportunity to heal and thrive, just as I have.”

It is for those reasons that CAYEN must oppose this legislation and ask for your “no” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

[1] HUD 2024 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs Homeless Populations and Subpopulations (2024)

AB 0020 (DEMAIO) Ending Housing First – Oppose

February 28, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Opposition to AB 20 (DeMaio)

Dear Chair Bonta,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) writes in opposition to AB 20 (DeMaio), legislation that would repeal Housing First in an attempt to end homelessness. However, Housing First is a policy model that prioritizes providing permanent supportive housing to unhoused individuals, immediately ending their homelessness regardless of if they receive services. Repealing Housing First would have the opposite effect to the legislation’s intended purpose, exacerbating homelessness rather than solving it.

Housing First plays a vital role in advancing MHAC’s mission by ensuring that housing remains a stable support for individuals in recovery, particularly for unhoused individuals facing behavioral health challenges. Many unhoused individuals experience substance use and mental health challenges while living on the streets. An analysis of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program found that 23% of unhoused Californian’s experience chronic substance abuse.[1] Housing First ensures access to permanent supportive housing by protecting individuals from housing discrimination, irrespective of their substance use, treatment history, or engagement in services. As California continues investing in resources to support our unhoused community, housing remains the most effective tool for getting people off the street. Once housed, individuals are more likely to voluntarily seek out mental and behavioral health services.

It is for these reasons MHAC must oppose AB 20 (DeMaio) and ask for your “No” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

[1] CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Report

AB 0641 (GONZALEZ) Drug-Induced Movement Disorder Awareness Program – Support

February 28, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Support for Assembly Bill 641 (Gonzalez)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 641 (Gonzalez), legislation that when funds are appropriated would direct the Depart of Public Health to develop a drug-induced movement disorder awareness program. Drug-induced movement disorders, such as Tardive Dyskinesia, are the result of long-term use of antipsychotic medication for serious mental illness and results in the involuntary and repetitive movement of the face, toros, and/or other body parts.

Among the various choices individuals have for addressing their mental and or behavioral health challenges, taking antipsychotic medication is one option. However, taking antipsychotics comes with its own symptoms and risks, a drug-induced movement disorder being one of them. Due to a lack of awareness and the unpredictability of developing such a disorder, many individuals may not recognize the symptoms or know when to consult their healthcare provider. While the severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe, a drug-induced movement disorder can have lifelong mental and physical impacts, adding to the challenges of managing one’s mental health.

By raising awareness about drug-induced movement disorders, California can ensure that individuals who choose to take antipsychotic medication are well prepared to manage the potential risks. For these reason MHAC supports AB 641 (Gonzalez) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

AB 255 (HANEY) The Supportive-Recovery Residence Program – Support

February 28, 2025

The Honorable Matt Haney
Chair, Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development
1020 N Street, Room 156
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: MHAC Support for AB 255 (Haney)

Dear Chair Haney,

Mental Health America of California is writing to express our support of AB 255 (Haney), legislation that would authorize state programs to fund supportive-recovery residences with an emphasis on abstinence.

MHAC is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy.

For individuals in recovery who secure permanent supportive housing, many prefer the option of living in a drug and alcohol-free environment. Under the current Housing First model, state-funded housing programs cannot deny housing solely based on drug or alcohol use unless other violations occur. This bill would authorize up to 25% of a county’s total permanent supportive housing inventory to offer a drug- and alcohol-free environment for those who voluntarily choose it. If participation in a supportive recovery residence remains a voluntary choice and is not the individual’s only available housing option, this bill would align with the Housing First model and supports MHAC mission to increase access to essential supports and services.

By respecting an individual’s right to self-determination in choosing the housing environment that best supports their recovery journey, this bill promotes a person-centered approach to care. For these reason MHAC supports AB 255 (Haney) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

AB 3221 (PELLERIN) DMHC Records Enforcement – Support

March 29, 2024

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: AB 3221 (Pellerin) – SUPPORT

Dear Chair Bonta:

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is writing to express our support of AB 3221 (Pellerin) which will allow the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) to take enforcement action more swiftly and more efficiently when health plans violate the law.

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy. One such way is to change our environment and the systems in which we operate, as they inadvertently and sometimes intentionally hinder TAY from accessing the services and supports they require and desire.

Too often, consumers, especially our youth, don’t receive the behavioral health care they need—and that they have paid for—in the timely and appropriate manner they are entitled to under the law. California has been at the forefront of passing groundbreaking behavioral health parity (SB 855) and timely access laws (SB 221), which could alleviate this crisis if the Department of Managed Health Care were empowered to take faster, stronger, and more efficient action.

Under The Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan of 1975, health care service plans are required to keep their books, records and papers open for inspection by the DMHC director. DMHC is required to conduct periodic on-site medical surveys, publicly report results, and issue final reports after public review. They must also conduct follow-up reviews to evaluate a health plan’s efforts to correct deficiencies. But several of the provisions are outdated, ineffective, or both. Records are not provided electronically, which delays and costs the department, and penalties are not required for failure to provide full records promptly. Additionally, when DMHC seeks approval for actions on behalf of consumers, they are required to go to Superior Court, which is overburdening and less efficient than administrative law judges.

AB 3221 will allow DMHC to request that health plan records be furnished electronically, making those records faster to receive and easier to review. It will allow DMHC to seek relief on patients’ behalf through an administrative hearing rather than the slower and more burdensome Superior Court hearing process and empower DMHC’s director to take disciplinary action when a health plan fails to respond to a request for records fully or in a timely manner.

These common-sense changes will allow DMHC to take important enforcement actions more quickly and efficiently, improving compliance with the groundbreaking behavioral health parity and timely access laws California recently enacted. For these reasons, we support AB 3221 (Pellerin), and we respectfully request an “AYE” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide any assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
Public Policy Coordinator

AB 1991 (BONTA) Licensee and Registrant Records – Support

June 3, 2024

The Honorable Angelique Ashby
Chair, Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3320
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Support for AB 1991 (Bonta)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 1991 (Bonta), legislation which would require certain boards that regulate healing arts licensees or registrants to collect workforce data.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy. However, the behavioral health workforce shortage in California is a major barrier preventing people from receiving adequate care in a timely manner.

This bill will help the state address workforce needs by collecting accurate data such as a licensee’s or registrant’s type of employer (i.e. clinic, hospital, managed care organization, or private practice) and anticipated year of retirement. This information can help guide behavioral health workforces’ investments and the efficient use of current available staff. For this reason, we support AB 1991(Bonta) and ask for your “aye” vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Public Policy Director, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

AB 1842 (REYES) Medication-Assisted Treatment – Support

May 31, 2024

The Honorable Richard D. Roth
Senate Health Committee
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Room 3310
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Support for AB 1842 (Reyes) Medication-Assisted Treatment

Dear Chair Roth,

Mental Health America of California is pleased to support AB 1842 (Reyes) which would prohibit a medical service plan and a health insurer from subjecting a naloxone product or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or a buprenorphine product or long-acting injectable naltrexone for detoxification or maintenance treatment of a substance use disorder, to prior authorization or step therapy.

Prior authorization protocols and step therapy can prevent people from receiving timely access to those voluntary mental and behavioral health services. With the increase in substance use and the surge in fentanyl overdose deaths, access to naloxone and other opioid antagonists is crucial for saving lives and supporting recovery. Prior authorization and step therapy impose unnecessary barriers to these life-saving resources, which should be readily accessible to those in need.

For these reasons, we support AB 1842 (Reyes). If you have any questions or if MHAC can be of assistance on this or any other behavioral health bill, please feel free to contact me or our Public Policy Director, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

AB 2711 (Ramos) Services Before Suspensions – Support

March 18, 2024

The Honorable James C. Ramos
State Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 8310
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Support for AB 2711 (Ramos)

Dear Assemblymember Ramos:

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to sponsor AB 2711 (Ramos), legislation aimed at implementing a public health strategy to assist youth with substance use needs. This legislation prioritizes keeping youth engaged in their education, establishes a community support system, and facilitates access to behavioral health services and resources.

The I AM Collaborative, a subprogram of CAYEN, empowers LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC TAY to advocate for substance use prevention through social change campaigns and multimedia advocacy art in Sacramento and Los Angeles. The culmination of their advocacy efforts influenced the language incorporated in AB 2711. A resounding consensus among youth emphasized the significance of integrating harm reduction strategies into our spectrum of care and enhancing accessibility to behavioral health services. The current use of suspension and expulsion to address substance use is punitive in nature and is in direct conflict with what youth are asking for.

Below you’ll see testimony from youth in our program. We have removed the youth’s name to protect their identity.

“I hope to see workshops/counseling events that directly work with individuals who suffer from a substance

use disorder. I feel that viewing their situation through a lens of empathy and care provides more help to their situation than simply punishing them for indulging in something they are not allowed to. Additionally, many of my friends who do use substances have had trouble with their families and home life, so it only makes sense

to approach their situations with compassion and hope for their healing.”
– San Diego Youth, 18 years old

“My school does not discuss substance use very much or the supports in place for substance use, which does not allow students to feel safe to get support.”
– San Diego Youth, 16 years old

Currently, under California Education Code §48900, school officials possess the discretion to determine whether to suspend or expel a student for drug use and/or possession on school grounds. However, a standardized protocol for offering support to youth and addressing the root causes of their substance use is lacking. Moreover, administrative discretion has resulted in a disproportionate impact on certain demographics: more than 59 percent of drug-related suspensions involve boys, over 83 percent affect socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and approximately 82 percent involve youth of color.[1] These suspensions deprive youth of valuable instructional time, thereby heightening the risk of academic disengagement, dropout, and involvement in the juvenile justice system.[2] Education policies such as these predicated on the belief that abstinence works have failed to provide the youth the proper services and supports.

AB 2711 would require schools to use a public health framework before employing suspension and expulsion policies. By implementing this approach, this bill will help stem drug use and addiction, ensuring all students receive the help they want and need, remain in school, graduate, and thrive. For these reasons, we support AB 2711. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul

Public Policy Coordinator

[1] Children Now Analysis of California Department of Education Suspension and Expulsion Data, 2021-22.

[2] The Civil Rights Project 2018