Behavioral Health Advisory Council and the Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access - Plan to Implement Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Requirements

SB 790 requires Maryland's Department of Health to form a workgroup focused on implementing child health screenings and behavioral health services. The workgroup must include behavioral health professionals, parents, children with behavioral health needs, and advocates to develop a plan based on federal guidelines for early screenings, diagnostic tools for young children, and community-based care. The plan must address preventive care, early symptom management, and crisis services for children. The Department must submit this plan to the legislature by December 1, 2025, with the bill expiring after one year on June 30, 2026. This is a procedural bill creating a planning process, not an immediate policy change.