Grants Aimed at Standardizing Behavioral Health Care

Maryland is among 24 states working toward a standardized system of government-funded behavioral health care.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen said Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Maryland about $982,000 to develop a plan for certified community behavioral health clinics.

After the plans are completed next year, the federal agency will fund demonstration programs in as many as eight states.

The grants stem from legislation passed last year that created the single largest federal investment in community behavioral health in more than 50 years.

The National Academy for State Health Policy says many states lack systems for delivering mental-health and substance-abuse services in a coordinated fashion.

The grants announced Tuesday will help states develop plans for certifying clinics and establishing payment systems.