In a recent meeting of the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), members discussed significant developments regarding children's mental health initiatives and ongoing rule reviews. The council unanimously voted to accept a proposal related to the State of Affairs (SOA) and refer it back to BHEC for finalization, with one member abstaining from the vote.

The meeting highlighted the progress of the Children's Mental Health Strategic Plan Subcommittee, which is actively gathering data through five dedicated work groups focusing on governance, service array, family and youth voice, workforce, and metrics. The subcommittee is set to present its recommendations at the next committee meeting on June 24, 2024, with expectations of substantial media coverage due to the pressing need for mental health services for children in Texas. Notably, the state faces a shortage of qualified mental health workers, with several counties lacking any mental health professionals.

Additionally, the council addressed the ongoing rules review process, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement. Members were informed that a formal notice for the rule review would be published in the Texas Register around July 1, with a town hall scheduled for August 13 to gather public input. The council reassured stakeholders that no rule changes would be proposed until October, allowing ample time for discussion and feedback.

The meeting also included updates on application processing and the need for timely submission of supervisory documentation. The chair acknowledged the high volume of inquiries received by staff and encouraged patience as they work through applications.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing mental health services for children and ensuring regulatory processes are transparent and inclusive.