SB 874: Medi-Cal: behavioral health treatment: stakeholder feedback.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions.

Under existing law, to the extent required by the federal government and effective no sooner than required by the federal government, behavioral health treatment (BHT) is a covered service under the Medi-Cal program for individuals under 21 years of age.

This bill would require the department, by July 1, 2027, to ensure that certain individuals providing BHT services under Medi-Cal undergo criminal background checks. The bill would require the department to utilize existing stakeholder forums to seek stakeholder feedback and offer stakeholder comment opportunities to inform changes to coverage and billing policy for BHT services. The bill would encourage the department to affirmatively reach out to specified stakeholders as appropriate based on the topic at issue to ensure adequate feedback. Under the bill, stakeholder feedback would include, among other topics, clinical guidelines for the provision of BHT services, treatment plan requirements, requirements for the provision of center-based services compared to services provided elsewhere, and supervision of unlicensed and uncertified professionals, as specified.

The bill would require the department to maintain clear billing and coverage guidance for BHT services, as specified. The bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2029, to publish on its internet website utilization data for BHT services, a synopsis of changes made as a result of stakeholder feedback, and recommendations for actions necessary to ensure that Medi-Cal reimbursement practices align with federal Medicaid program integrity requirements.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 655, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 655, Statutes of 2026.
3. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
4. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
5. August 27, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4:30 p.m.
6. August 27, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4:30 p.m.
7. August 24, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5686.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
8. August 24, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9. August 20, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
10. August 20, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
11. August 20, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 6306.) Ordered to the Senate.
12. August 20, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 6306.) Ordered to the Senate.