House passes bill to expand collaborative mental health care model

The Kentucky House on Jan. 21 approved House Bill 178, legislation to encourage and support a collaborative care model that integrates mental health services into primary care settings, supporters said.

The Lady from Kenton 64 explained the bill as a way to increase access to timely mental health treatment by enabling primary care providers, care managers and consulting psychiatrists to work together in primary care offices. "This will make it easier for Kentuckians to get timely mental health care by supporting the collaborative care model," the explainer said, adding that the measure is budget neutral and that fiscal studies indicate cost savings to the health system.

Members moved the bill for passage after explanation; the presiding officer recorded no members voting nay and declared the bill passed.

Supporters argued the model reduces emergency visits, hospitalizations and untreated mental illness by offering regular check-ins and measurable outcomes in primary care. The House adjourned to reconvene the following day.