Bill Supporting Crisis Care Moves into Committee
February 21, 2023
Montana’s mental health treatment system has faced significant challenges since the 2017 budget cuts. One of the most heartbreaking consequences has been the dismantling of the state’s mental health crisis care system.
HB 557 — Mental Health Crisis Beds
Sponsor: Representative Jennifer Carlson (Churchill)
Hearing: Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. — House Human Services Committee
HB 557 clarifies that HEART Account funds (derived from marijuana tax revenue) may be used for behavioral health crisis services, specifically crisis beds lasting longer than 24 hours.
This is a short, targeted bill. While it is not a standalone solution to Montana’s crisis care challenges, it provides the state with a critical tool:
The ability to increase reimbursement rates for crisis beds
Making it financially feasible for community providers to offer crisis care
NAMI Montana has worked closely with Rep. Carlson on this bill for months and is encouraged to see it receive a hearing. We invite you to weigh in in support of HB 557 if you are able.
Additional Legislative Updates
HB 17 — Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Stafman (Bozeman)
Would implement Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) in Montana
The bill was tabled in House Appropriations
A House member raised the possibility of incorporating this bill or its concepts into an end-of-session mental health package, which we are hopeful will occur
HB 286 — Youth Suicide Prevention
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Caferro (Helena)
Allows HEART funds to be used for youth suicide prevention efforts
Passed Senate Public Health Committee on a 5–4 vote
HB 649 — Medicaid Provider Rates
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Caferro (Helena)
Implements recommendations from the Medicaid provider rate study
Hearing: Friday at 3:00 p.m. — House Human Services Committee
HB 346 — Tribal Computer Programming Scholarships
Sponsor: Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy (Box Elder)
Revises the tribal computer programming scholarship program
Passed House Education Committee
SB 196 — Telehealth Payment Parity
Sponsor: Senator Walt Sales (Manhattan)
Requires payment parity for telehealth services
Tabled in Senate Public Health Committee
How to Support These Bills
You can support any of these bills by:
Visiting the Montana Legislature public participation page
Entering the bill number
Selecting the appropriate committee
Leaving a brief message of support
You may also leave a phone message for a legislator or committee by calling:
(406) 444-4800
Thank you for standing with NAMI Montana and for supporting policies that help rebuild Montana’s mental health treatment and crisis care systems.
Matt Kuntz
Executive Director
NAMI Montana