Welcome to the BHSA [DRAFT] Policy Manual, Module 6, Version 0.6.0.
The feedback period is open from August 13, 2026 to September 3, 2026.
If you have trouble providing your comments, please reach out to BHTPolicyFeedback@dhcs.ca.gov.
You may notice gaps in section numbering—this is intentional and reflects the contents already finalized or still under review/finalization.
Updates are noted in bold underlined text for proposed new text and bold, underlined, strikethrough text where DHCS proposes to remove text.
Supporting documents for Module 6 review can be found here.
NOTE TO STAKEHOLDERS
Addition of new language:
Chapter 4. Behavioral Health Outcomes, Accountability, and Transparency Report (BHOATR)
-
Adds a new annual reporting requirement for counties to submit a BHOATR to DHCS covering expenditures, service utilization, workforce information, and outcomes measures.
-
Establishes the BHOATR as the replacement for the MHSA Annual Revenue and Expenditure Report (ARER) for reversion calculations beginning in FY 2026–27.
In addition, DHCS proposes changes to the following sections of the existing Policy Manual:
Chapter 2. Behavioral Health Transformation – Health Equity and Culturally Responsive and Linguistically Appropriate Care
-
Replaces the standalone Cultural Competence Plan with a culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate care framework satisfied through existing BHSA and Medi-Cal reporting.
-
Adds new disparity reduction, workforce development, and language access requirements, along with statewide disparity reduction targets.
Chapter 6. BHT Fiscal Policies – Reversion Policy
-
Adds updated methodology for calculating BHSA fund reversion and guidance on offsetting and reallocating reverted funds.
Chapter 7.B Full Service Partnership
-
Adds guidance defining FSP Presumptively Eligible Populations and county requirements for identifying and enrolling these individuals beginning January 1, 2027.
-
Adds guidance supporting rapid initiation of FSP services for presumptively eligible individuals, consistent with program capacity and funding.
-
Expands guidance on Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) as an evidence-based practice, noting many presumptively eligible individuals may benefit from it.