1. Policy Manual Introduction [DRAFT]
This policy manual provides counties1 and two city-operated mental health authorities with guidance necessary to implement Behavioral Health Transformation (BHT),2 a package of behavioral health policy reforms enacted by California voters through Proposition 1 (2024). Counties, providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders will find information on county planning, reporting, and fiscal requirements in this policy manual. The manual also contains information about Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) service and program implementation requirements. The policy manual will be updated on a continual basis. A summary of changes between each version can be found in the Appendix. Any questions or comments about this policy manual should be directed towards BHTPolicyFeedback@dhcs.ca.gov.
1 “County” means the County Mental Health Department, two or more County Mental Health Departments acting jointly, and/or city-operated programs receiving funds per W&I Code § 5701.5 (California Code of Regulations, title 9, section 3200.090).
2 W&I Code § 5963.05, subdivision (a)