The Florida Senate

409.8135  Behavioral health services.--In order to ensure a high level of integration of physical and behavioral health care and to meet the more intensive treatment needs of enrollees with the most serious emotional disturbances or substance abuse problems, the Department of Health shall contract with the Department of Children and Family Services to provide behavioral health services to non-Medicaid-eligible children with special health care needs. The Department of Children and Family Services, in consultation with the Department of Health and the agency, is authorized to establish the following:

(1)  The scope of behavioral health services, including duration and frequency.

(2)  Clinical guidelines for referral to behavioral health services.

(3)  Behavioral health services standards.

(4)  Performance-based measures and outcomes for behavioral health services.

(5)  Practice guidelines for behavioral health services to ensure cost-effective treatment and to prevent unnecessary expenditures.

(6)  Rules to implement this section.

History.--ss. 38, 57, ch. 98-288; s. 22, ch. 2003-405.