Committee approves repeal/streamlining of several behavioral-health rule chapters as state transitions services to Magellan; lawmakers press for oversight

A legislative committee approved multiple rule dockets that remove or narrow Department of Health and Welfare rule language describing the department as a direct provider of behavioral-health services, reflecting the department’s transition of service administration to the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan contractor, Magellan. The committee heard questions from lawmakers who sought assurances about oversight, public access to contract terms and the statutory location of continuing requirements.

Why it matters: The rules under review described the department’s historical role as a direct service provider. Department leaders told the committee those responsibilities have moved to a contracted administrator and community providers; the rule changes remove language that no longer reflects the state’s delivery model and the department said it will propose legislation to move remaining department-facing requirements into statute.

What the department said

- Department officials said the Idaho…