Committee approves behavioral‑health supplementals, hospital fund shifts and directs review of CANS assessment

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a series of supplemental appropriations, fund shifts and language affecting the Department of Health and Welfare’s behavioral‑health programs, and asked the department to study alternatives to the CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) assessment.

Key approvals included re‑appropriations and federal‑fund adjustments to support implementation of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan, a one‑time general‑fund appropriation for civil‑commitment expenditures, budget shifts to reflect managed‑care accounting at State Hospital West and State Hospital South, and an adjustment moving the Center of Excellence from an ongoing line to a one‑time item while eliminating several FTPs tied to that program.

Why it matters: The package funds the state’s behavioral‑health transition work and responds to accounting changes tied to managed‑care implementation but also directs the department to examine how assessment tools are used with children and families. The committee adopted language asking for alternatives to certain assessment content, reflecting concerns…