CBHPC Advocacy and Legislation
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The CBHPC advocates for children with serious emotional disturbances and adults and older adults with serious mental illness. The Legislation Committee discusses and decides what legislation to take action on and periodically updates our Policy Platform which is a dynamic document used to guide our legislative efforts. In addition to responding to active legislation, we advocate for appropriate funding and work with our collateral partners to protect Behavioral Health funds including Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds.
Please visit the CBHPC Year-End Legislative Reports page for more information on legislative positions taken each calendar year.
Peer Certification
As part of the Council's commitment to supporting Peer Certification, the former Quality Improvement Committee gathered information and heard presentations from advocacy groups and provider groups throughout 2014. The findings were distilled in its report "Peer Certification: What Are We Waiting For?". The Council continued to advocate for Peer Certification alongside several other behavioral health organizations. SB 803 was finally signed into law in 2020.
The Council, through the Workforce and Employement Committee, made recommendations on SB 803 implementation and continues to track Peer Certification progress.
Adult Residential Facilities
The Legislation Committee identified a need for increasing access to appropriately staffed and maintained Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) in California for adults (including older adults) with mental illness, as outlined in the 2018 Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) Issue paper. The Council continues to advocate for appropriate funding for ARFs.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already existing mental health and addiction workforce crisis, compelling the Council to advocate for this issue at the Federal level in addition to our typical state advocacy.
Funding Requests
The Council has a long-standing commitment to advocating for appropriate funding for California's public behavioral health system. Our efforts include advocating for the preservation of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Funds and partnering with other organizations to support requests for additional funding when needed.
Resources
Below are some legislative resources that may be helpful:
