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Improve its focus on systems of support, care and connection for all Iowans and families with disability-related needs through Iowa HHS’ Aging and Disability Services’ enhancement of Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and connection to disability-serving networks.
Combine the work and the funding for mental health and addictive disorders into a behavioral health service system guided by a statewide plan focused on ensuring equitable access to a full continuum of prevention, treatment, recovery and crisis care.
The state will hire local administrative service organizations (ASOs) to manage services in each of the seven behavioral health districts. Existing agencies that oversee mental health regions or other public/nonprofit entities in each district will be invited to submit proposals to run these new regions.
Lawmakers changed the alignment law to exclude for-profit groups from governing any district; only public or private nonprofits can be chosen.
The alignment requires the new behavioral health districts to be set up by August 1, with organizations selected by December 31 to manage services.
These districts will handle prevention, education, early intervention, treatment, recovery and crisis services for mental health and substance use disorders. Funding will operate like block grants, aiming to target measurable outcomes rather than specific services.
Each district will have an advisory board made up of local providers and government officials to identify opportunities, tackle challenges and advise the ASOs.
What else will change?
Dissolve the Commission on Tobacco Use Prevention and Control and its advisory council.
Transfer disability services currently under the state’s Mental Health and Disability Service network to the Department of Health and Human Services division of Aging and Disability Services.
Shift oversight of Aging and Disability Services from the Commission on Aging to a new Council on Health and Human Services.
Recognize brain injury as an official disability in the state.
Allocate $3 million from the Regional Incentive Fund to support the 988 suicide and crisis hotline.
Allocate $1 million for administrative costs to the Department of Health and Human Services to manage the transition. The department must provide a report to the Legislature detailing these costs and ongoing support required for implementing the bill's changes.
The bill specifies the state’s transition to a unified behavioral health system be completed by July 1, 2025.
According to the American Medical Association, behavioral health generally refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health care refers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those conditions.
In Iowa, mental health and addictive disorders have traditionally been addressed separately, under separate laws, and via separate systems.
In 2024, HF 2673 was enacted to reorganize Iowa’s mental health and addictive disorders efforts and establish a new system behavioral health service system focused on equitable access to prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support.
An Administrative Services Organization (ASO) provides services that help Iowans navigate through mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services when needed. ASOs are funded through the state and federal block grant funding.
Information, referral and support to help Iowans effectively navigate to what they need.
24/7/365 access to behavioral health crisis services and supports.
Connection and collaboration with local decision-makers and systems such as schools, law enforcement, and local public health.
ASOs may provide certain behavioral health services to people not enrolled in or eligible for Iowa Medicaid.
For some services, such as services funded through federal grants, individuals may need to meet other priority population requirements to be considered eligible.
ASOs may provide the following services to individuals who are not eligible for Iowa Medicaid:
Mental health evaluation and treatment services for people involuntarily detained or who agree to a voluntary commitment due to their behavioral health.
Connection and access to early intervention services for families.
Non-crisis inpatient, outpatient or residential treatment for individuals with a behavioral health disorder.
Short term navigation to ensure connection to ongoing care, support and resources to address needs holistically.
Collaboration, community, and support for individuals in recovery to support long-term wellness.
