Senate Passes Bipartisan Pettersen Bill to Better Connect Coloradans with Behavioral Health Support

Legislation would make it easier & more efficient for people to navigate the state’s complex behavioral health system

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation that seeks to better connect Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders with the appropriate care they need to maintain their health and well-being. 

Sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, SB22-177 appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care.

“While there will always be more work to do to expand and improve our behavioral health care system, we need to make sure Coloradans can fully utilize already existing behavioral health services,” said Pettersen. “With this new infusion of funds, we can more quickly and efficiently connect Coloradans with the care they need. Behavioral health care navigators will be well equipped to help Coloradans navigate these complex systems to deliver quality, accessible services to those that need the most support."

The legislation requires the Behavioral Health Administration to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available behavioral health safety net system services and delivery, and on ways to better connect individuals seeking care with the support they need.

The bill also seeks to cut red tape associated with provider enrollment and credentialing for navigators and care coordination providers, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need.

The legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.