An Act to promote high value and evidence-based behavioral health care

This bill creates two key mechanisms to address behavioral health care shortages in Massachusetts. First, it establishes an annual statewide committee to study current inpatient bed capacity (including specialized units for children, seniors, and those with complex needs) and estimate future needs by region, publishing reports with recommendations to reduce emergency department boarding. Second, it forms a special commission with health department leaders and industry representatives to review bed availability data, funding models, and develop recommendations for new payment structures to expand specialty behavioral health beds for adults and youth. The commission must submit findings and draft legislation within one year, focusing on increasing access to high-intensity care. The bill directly affects patients seeking behavioral health services, hospitals, and health care payers by requiring systematic analysis and policy recommendations to improve bed availability and funding.