§15. Innovative behavioral health services; programs

            A. The department may develop goals, objectives, and priorities for the creation of innovative programs which promote and improve the behavioral health of the citizens of the state by making treatment and support services available to those persons who are most in need and least able to pay. These programs may achieve the following:

            (1) Increase access to underserved groups.

            (2) Increase the quality of services, including better outcomes.

            (3) Promote interagency collaboration by improving the integration and effectiveness of state agencies responsible for behavioral health care.

            (4) Increase access to services.

            (5) Ensure cost-effectiveness of services.

            (6) Encourage delivery of services more efficiently and effectively.

            (7) Mitigate the cost of the delivery of services.

            (8) Increase effectiveness of treatment and management strategies.

            (9) Promote emerging best practices and increased quality of care in the delivery of behavioral health services.

            B. The department may collaborate with behavioral health advocates, clinicians, physicians, professional organizations, local governing entities, local citizens, consumers, and family members in the planning, designing, and implementation of innovative mental and behavioral health service programs and priorities in their respective regions throughout the state.

            Acts 2012, No. 506, §1; Acts 2017, No. 369, §2.