Texas Senate Committee on Health & Human Service – SB 74 – MMHPI – Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Legislative UpdatesTexas Senate Committee on Health & Human Service – SB 74

Texas Senate Committee on Health & Human Service – SB 74

On March 8, 2017, MMHPI President and CEO Andy Keller, PhD, was invited testimony at the Texas Senate Committee on Health & Human Services. Senate Bill 74, relating to the provision of certain behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and their families under a contract with a managed care organization, was filed by Senator Jane Nelson. 

95%

children statewide who do not receive the intensive mental health care they need

4,000

high needs children in the child welfare system (according to The Stephen Group)

Dr. Keller’s presentation to the committee covered the involvement of high-risk children with mental health needs in the juvenile justice system. His testimony also outlined barriers in post-83(R) SB 58 Children’s Mental Health System that SB 74 would clarify to include

  • Despite 83(R) SB 58, providers have found the criteria and requirements to provide these services unclear.
  • The language in the managed care contract and manual is unclear, which has caused some managed care organizations to think these were requirements for providers.