9–8–8 Implementation Act of 2022

9-8-8 Implementation Act of 2022

This bill modifies provisions to increase access to behavioral health services, with a focus on crisis services and the 9-8-8 telecommunication system. (The 9-8-8 system provides callers with mental health or suicide crisis support and resources through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and is scheduled to take effect by July 16, 2022.)

The bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and revises the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program and requires a national suicide prevention media campaign.

In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must establish standards for a behavioral health crisis continuum of care that health care providers and communities may use in responding to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The continuum must include emergency treatment, stabilization, and related services. The bill expands Medicaid and other insurance coverage for such services.

The bill further expands Medicaid coverage for behavioral health services. This includes permanently allowing coverage of certain community-based mobile crisis services and exempting some short-term stabilization services from coverage restrictions that apply to institutions for mental diseases.

Additionally, the bill establishes (1) an office within SAMHSA to coordinate behavioral health activities; and (2) various grants, including a pilot program for mobile crisis care teams that respond to behavioral health crises rather than law enforcement and a capital improvement program for certain behavioral health facilities.

The bill also reauthorizes through FY2027 and expands certain workforce programs for behavioral health providers. It also addresses training for emergency services dispatchers and coordination of the 9-1-1 system with the 9-8-8 system.

Bill 117 HR 7116, also known as the 9-8-8 Implementation Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of establishing a nationwide 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. The bill seeks to designate 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, making it easier for individuals in crisis to access the help they need quickly and efficiently.

The legislation outlines the requirements for the implementation of the 9-8-8 hotline, including the establishment of a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis response system. It also calls for the creation of a grant program to support state and local crisis call centers in their efforts to provide timely and effective crisis intervention services.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the 9-8-8 hotline is equipped to handle a wide range of mental health crises, including those related to substance abuse, domestic violence, and other behavioral health issues. It also highlights the need for culturally competent services to address the unique needs of diverse populations. Overall, the 9-8-8 Implementation Act of 2022 aims to improve access to mental health services and support for individuals in crisis, with the ultimate goal of reducing suicide rates and promoting overall mental well-being in the United States.