Council warned $3.1M operating funding is required for diversion center to meet state licensure

Chief Monica Martin, who oversees Behavioral Health and Crisis Services, told the council on May 7 that a $3,104,903 operating request associated with the diversion/crisis stabilization center renovation is necessary to comply with Maryland regulations and to allow the renovated facility to reopen and operate as intended.

"If this is not funded, then the, brick and mortar renovation that already started last week through the CIP allocation... will not operate at all," Martin said, explaining that COMAR regulations issued in May 2024 require crisis stabilization centers to accept walk-ins, serve residents across the lifespan (including minors) and meet licensing standards that enable Medicaid billing and CARF accreditation. Without the operating resources, she warned, the county would not be able to renew the unit's state licensure when it is due in December.

Committee context: The item was discussed as part of joint HHS/CIP coordination; council members were reminded the operating request and the related CIP renovation are companion items that must be considered together.

Why it matters: Losing the ability to operate the renovated stabilization center would undo years of planning, potentially remove a diversion alternative to emergency departments and criminal justice responses, and affect Medicaid billing revenue and accreditation status.

Next steps: The operating request was placed on the reconciliation list in a special column reflecting items required by state regulations; the council will act during reconciliation next week with awareness of the CIP-operating interdependence.