Position Category: MHAC

SB 823 (STERN) Adding Bipolar 1 to CARE Court Criteria – Oppose

March 18th, 2025

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

Re: MHAC Opposition to Senate Bill 823 (Stern)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California is writing to oppose SB 823 (Stern), legislation that would add Bipolar I Disorder to the criteria for a person to be petitioned into CARE Court and forced into involuntary treatment. CARE Court represents an ineffective approach to mental healthcare in California. It fails to address the systemic barriers individuals face and, in some cases, comes at the cost of their civil liberties.

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 primary barriers to accessing mental health services include a shortage of providers, stigma, and lack of voluntary services and supports. Investing in the behavioral health workforce, reducing stigma through community engagement, and voluntary community-based services has proven to prevent mental health crisis, reduce hospitalizations, institutionalization, and incarceration.[1] In contrast, CARE Court fails to address the provider shortage, inadvertently increases stigma due to its court-based setting, and provides no additional funding to increase mental health services and supports beyond what’s currently available.

The ineffectiveness of CARE Court is demonstrated in the enrollment numbers. When San Francisco rolled out CARE Court in 2023, city officials projected approximately 2,000 eligible individuals, but only 11 referrals were made.[2] The Department of Health Care Services also released its Early Implementation Report in November of 2024 which recorded a total of 100 Care Court participants, yet state officials estimated 7,000 to 12,000 people would be eligible.[3][4] One of the primary reasons for the low enrollment is due to the many respondents who are receiving care voluntarily or receiving supports and services in a different way other than CARE Court. This further supports the idea that when voluntary supports and services are available, people will accept them.

The state’s failure to meet expectations shows an inherent flaw in the system that won’t be solved by expanding the criteria of who can be forced into treatment via a court order. For these reasons MHAC opposes SB 823 (Stern) and asks for your “No” 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

[1] Yehya, N. A. (2024, November 27). Report finds State’s mental health programs need consistent funding, community engagement. UC Davis Health News.

[2] SF Chronicle “S.F. Helped Only a Handful of People So Far through California’s Ambitious New Health Program” (2024)

[3] Depart of Health Care Services . (2024, November). CARE Act Early Implementation Report. Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act.

[4] Mai-Duc, C. (2024, November 27). California falling short of enrollment goal as Mental Health Courts Roll Out Statewide. California Healthline.

AB 1429 (BAINS) Kaiser Behavioral Health Reimbursement – Support

April 4th, 2025

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

RE: Support for AB 1429 (Bains)

Dear Chair Bonta,   

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 1429 (Bains), legislation that would require Kaiser to reimburse enrollees for out of network behavioral health services, including prescription medication.

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.   

Since 2011, Kaiser Permanente has consistently failed to provide its enrollees access to timely and adequate behavioral health care services. The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) just released a Final Report of Nonroutine Survey of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and found that Kaiser failed to provide timely access to behavioral health services, failed to take effective corrective action to improve care in response to grievance and appeal deficiencies, and lacked quality assurance and oversight.[1]

Due to Kaiser’s consistent failure to meet the standards set by state law, patients must accept inadequate care or seek out-of-network care when Kaiser’s care falls short. AB 1429 would rectify this by requiring Kaiser to fully reimburse an enrollee for out-of-pocket costs for necessary behavioral health care obtained from non-Kaiser providers or facilities and mental health prescriptions obtained from a non-Kaiser pharmacy or provider. This reimbursement would be required until DMHC certifies that Kaiser has successfully completed implementation of their corrective action work plan.

In short, AB 1429 ensures that Kaiser patients do not have to choose between the inability to access critical mental health services or be forced to pay out of pocket for care they already pay Kaiser for. It places the financial responsibility where it belongs – with the health plan that has repeatedly failed to meet its legal obligations to provide adequate care.

It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 1429 (Bains) 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 at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org. 

In Community,   

Heidi L. Strunk   
President & CEO 

[1] OFFICE OF PLAN MONITORING DIVISION OF PLAN SURVEYS. (2025, February 25). FINAL REPORT NONROUTINE SURVEY OF KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. California Department of Managed Health Care.

SB 331 (MENJIVAR) Substance Abuse – Opposed Unless Amended

April 3rd, 2025

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

RE: OPPOSE UNLESS AMENDED Senate Bill 331 (Menjivar)

Dear Chair Menjivar,   

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) respectfully opposes unless amended Senate Bill 331 (Menjivar), which would define a “mental health disorder” as a condition outlined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

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. In accordance with our mission, MHAC supports increasing the availability of voluntary, accessible, culturally responsive, community-based services.

The definition of “mental health disorder” as outlined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is not only overly broad, but also misaligned with the intent of the statute regarding involuntary commitment.

The current version of the DSM lists 265 conditions, a large number of which are inappropriate grounds for involuntary commitment. Some of these include sexual dysfunction, sleep wake disorders, communication disorders, stuttering, caffeine use disorder, and tobacco use disorder. [1]

The Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act was intended to “end the inappropriate, indefinite, and involuntary commitment of persons with mental health disorders” by authorizing involuntary treatment in very limited circumstances. By defining “mental health disorder” as broadly as the DSM criteria, California risks expansion of involuntary commitment far beyond the intent of the LPS Act. Furthermore, the LPS Act requires the provision of evaluation and treatment services for individuals placed on involuntary holds. Yet, many of the conditions listed in the DSM are not appropriate for treatment within locked facilities.

While we are opposed to the current bill language defining a “mental health disorder” as outlined in the current edition of the DSM, we are not necessarily opposed to defining “mental health disorder” in statute. Ideally, we would like this provision removed from the bill but if that is not possible, we would welcome the opportunity to work with the author and sponsors to develop a more suitable definition.

It is for these reasons MHAC must oppose SB 331 (Menjivar). 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 at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org. 

In Community,   

Heidi L. Strunk   
President & CEO 

[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). DSM-5 Table of Contents.

AB 0416 (KRELL) Expanding 5150 Involuntary Hold Eligibility – Oppose

March 24th, 2025

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

Re: MHAC Opposition to Assembly Bill 416 (Krell)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California is writing to oppose Assembly Bill 416 (Krell), legislation which expands eligibility of people who can place individuals on a 5150 involuntary hold to an emergency physician.

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. If an individual is experiencing a mental health emergency, only those with the appropriate expertise and resources should have the authority to write a 5150 hold.

Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code currently designates who can initiate a 5150 involuntary hold, such as individuals working at county-designated facilities, peace officers, or specific county-designated individuals. AB 416 seeks to reduce the number of individuals with mental health disabilities who are held in Emergency Departments by allowing emergency physicians to initiate a 5150 hold. However, these physicians may not have the appropriate licensure, practice discipline, or clinical experience necessary to properly assess and write a hold. While Emergency Departments are often the entry point for many who experience a mental health crisis, they are not always equipped to provide mental healthcare.

Furthermore, current statute already provides a pathway for an emergency physician to become county designated. There is no justification for a blanket designation to professionals who may not have the proper qualifications, and who are not working in county-designated facilities where they cannot provide appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Lastly, our behavioral health system should aim at reducing the number of 5150 holds being placed on individuals. Crisis mobile teams are an effective community-based intervention designed to provide 24/7 de-escalation and relief to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis wherever they are, including at home, work, school, or in the community. This strategy is instrumental in providing ongoing support and services and reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement and emergency department utilization.

Expanding who can write a 5150 hold does not equate to more effective mental health services and should not be used as a justification to reduce emergency room overcrowding. Instead, investing in strategies that prevent crises, reduce emergency department utilization, and avoid placing a 5150 hold are more effective, person-centered approaches that help reduce systemic burdens. For these reasons MHAC opposes AB 416 (Krell) and asks for your “No” 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 at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

In Community, 

Heidi L. Strunk 
President & CEO

AB 309 (ZBUR) Hypodermic Needles and Syringes – Support

March 24th, 2025 

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

RE: MHAC Support for Assembly Bill 309 (Zbur)

Dear Chair,   

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 309 (Zbur), legislation that would allow a physician or pharmacist to continue providing clean and safe hypodermic needles and syringes to individuals 18 years or older without a prescription or permit.

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. MHAC recognizes the importance of harm reduction strategies that support individuals on their path to recovery while safeguarding public health.

Recovering from a substance use disorder is a journey, often nonlinear, with progress and setbacks. Individuals who use substances requiring hypodermic needles face numerous challenges and should not be further harmed while working towards recovery. Access to clean syringes is a proven harm reduction strategy that prevents the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases, ultimately improving public health and safety.[1] The distribution of safe and clean needles and syringes ensures that if individuals experience a setback in their recovery the harm done to them is minimized.

This bill is a critical step toward reducing preventable harm and protecting community health. It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 309 (Zbur) 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 at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org. 

In Community,   

Heidi L. Strunk   
President & CEO 

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Syringe Services Programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

AB 0843 (GARCIA) Language Access to Health Care Coverage – Support

March 14, 2025

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

Re: MHAC Support for Assembly Bill 843 (Garcia)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is writing in support of Assembly Bill 843 (Garcia), legislation aimed at reducing barriers to healthcare access for individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill would require health plans and insurers to provide language-accessible documents and translation services, ensuring that all individuals can effectively navigate the healthcare systems and receive the services they need.

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. Due to language barriers, English language learners have significant barriers accessing voluntary community-based services.

Limited English proficiency contributes to the growing mental health disparities among Asian and Latino populations.[1] The inability to communicate effectively prohibits understanding of cultural behaviors and values, leading to unmet needs and discourages them from seeking help. Without proper accommodations to address language barriers, these disparities will continue to widen, preventing underserved populations from accessing voluntary mental health and substance use services.

This bill directly addresses the language barrier by requiring health plans and insurers to take responsibility for properly informing their enrollees. They must provide translation services and translated documents to ensure that language is not an obstacle to receiving care. For these reason MHAC supports Assembly Bill 843 (Garcia) 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

[1] Sentell, T., Shumway, M., & Snowden, L. (2007). Access to mental health treatment by English language proficiency and race/ethnicity. Journal of general internal medicine, 22 Suppl 2(Suppl 2), 289–293.

AB 0529 (AHRENS) Pharmacy Declared State of Emergency – Support

March 14, 2025

The Honorable Marc Berman
Chair, Assembly Committee on Business and Professions
1020 N Street, Room 379
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: MHAC Support for AB 529 (Ahrens)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California is writing in support of AB 529 (Ahrens), legislation that would allow the California State Board of Pharmacy to waive provisions of the Pharmacy Law for up to 120 days instead of 90 days after the end of a declared federal, state, or local state of emergency. This would allow mobile pharmacies or clinics to continue severing impacted areas and ensure continuity of services.

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.

A state of emergency can arise in various forms, including epidemics, power outages, extreme weather, and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and wildfires. During such emergencies the availability of resources and public services become scarce, such as access to healthcare services and medication. During times of great stress, Individuals may develop, or experience heightened, mental health challenges increasing the need for these vital services.

While the Board of Pharmacy may currently waive provisions of the pharmacy law for up to 90 days after the end of a state of emergency to allow mobile clinics and pharmacies to operate, it can take more than 90 days to rebuild a community and for any sense of normalcy to return. This bill would allow for an additional 30 days for a total of 120 days expanding access to care and medications as communities transition from crisis intervention to rehabilitation.

For these reason MHAC supports AB 529 (Ahrens) 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 at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

In Community, 

Heidi L. Strunk 
President & CEO

Statement of Support to Commute the Sentences of Every Individual on Death Row in California

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) proudly joins over 112 organizations (see Attachment 1) in urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to commute the sentences of the more than 600 individuals on death row. In 2019, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-09-19, establishing a moratorium on the death penalty during his term in office. With his term nearing its end, the moratorium will also expire.

A third of those on California’s death row have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, underscoring the urgent need to address a deeply flawed system that fails to guarantee justice and fairness for all.[1] The death penalty neither rehabilitates individuals nor offers opportunities for reparations. Its inequitable application disproportionately impacts people with serious mental illness, as well as Hispanic and Black or African American individuals, who are sentenced to death at higher rates.

The 2021 Death Penalty Report from the CA Committee on Revision of the Penal Code recommends not only commuting existing death sentences but also abolishing the death penalty altogether. MHAC remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, especially for those who are incarcerated and living with a serious mental illness. Call on Gov. Newsom to act now! If you would like to add your name or organization to the list of supporters, please visit https://clemencyca.org/join/ to sign on.

[1] The Office of the State Public Defender

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

February 28, 2025

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

RE: Support for AB 280 (Aguiar-Curry)

Dear Chair Bonta,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) writes in support of AB 280 (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 for 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org. 

 In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO