Healthcare

SB 2016 is an appropriation bill that allocates $722.7 million (combined General Fund and special source funds) to Mississippi’s Department of Mental Health for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affects the department’s operations by funding staff salaries, mental health services, and specific programs like crisis centers and fentanyl education. Key provisions restrict the funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and vacancy funding), prohibit using General Funds to replace federal funds, and require strict adherence to the Variable Compensation Plan. The bill mandates efficient use of funds to meet performance targets, such as reducing unmet community mental health care access. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but authorizes existing service delivery.

HB 25 appropriates $5,308,814 from special funds to the Mississippi Board of Nursing for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly funds the board’s operations, including $2.9 million for staff salaries and positions, $1.56 million for the Office of Nursing Workforce (administering nursing education programs), and $105,000 for the Prescription Monitoring Program. The bill specifies that funds must be used for authorized personnel costs and cannot replace federal funding, with strict rules to prevent exceeding budgeted amounts for salaries. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records and aligns with existing programs like the Medical Cannabis Act implementation.

SB 2024 provides $1.29 million in state funding to Mississippi's Board of Dental Examiners for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It specifically allocates $694,646 for staff salaries and benefits for the board’s 8 authorized positions, with strict rules preventing use for promotions or salary increases beyond budget limits. Additionally, $27,000 is designated for the Board of Pharmacy to support its Prescription Monitoring Program. This is a routine budget allocation for operational costs, not a new policy change.