The Department of Health and Human Services told lawmakers it aims to certify the first four Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) by July 2026 as part of a statewide phased rollout.

Elena Zeller, Director of Clinic Operations for the Behavioral Health Division, said the department started readiness activities in April 2025 and is targeting certification-criteria readiness by April 1, 2026, with formal certification filings and PPS (prospective payment system) preparation aimed for July 2026. "The statewide approach ensures that all regions benefit from early implementation efforts," Zeller said, noting that workgroups are addressing clinical standards, care coordination, workforce and data reporting across regions.

Zeller said the division is focusing on three operational priorities: community needs assessments and stakeholder engagement in the four target regions (Regions 1, 2, 5 and 8), formalizing care coordination agreements and workflows, and expanding peer-support services across the state. She noted the implementation includes a behavioral-health liaison in each region to coordinate referrals and local partnerships and described care coordination as a flexible service that may be a single warm handoff for some clients or an ongoing, intensive engagement for others.

Why it matters: CCBHC certification opens access to a federal PPS payment methodology that can increase clinic revenue and support expanded services such as 24/7 crisis response, integrated primary-behavioral care and additional staff (including peers). Certification is also expected to improve rural access and crisis response statewide.

Next steps: The department is conducting community events and needs assessments now and will continue provider training, HIT/data work and contractual readiness. Officials told the committee they will continue phased expansion after the first four clinics and track metrics related to access and outcomes.

Quote: "Care coordination is a key component for CCBHC certification and prioritizing the development of both our four regions and across the state," Zeller told the committee.