Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics; Dept. of Mental Health and Medicaid apply to join Demonstration Program for Certification of CMHCs as.

HB 1496 requires Mississippi's Department of Mental Health and Medicaid to apply for a federal demonstration program that certifies community mental health clinics as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). This would directly affect community mental health centers (operated by regional commissions) and the patients they serve, enabling them to provide comprehensive mental health and substance use services. Key provisions include mandating a federal application to SAMHSA, establishing a state plan amendment for statewide CCBHC implementation, assigning certification oversight to the Mental Health Department, and creating a funding mechanism for clinics. Clinics would have until July 1, 2026, to apply for CCBHC certification under this framework.