§ 14132.755

(a) Commencing no sooner than July 1, 2022, dyadic behavioral health visits shall be a covered benefit under the Medi-Cal program, subject to utilization controls.

(b) The dyadic services benefit is a family- and caregiver-focused model of care intended to address developmental and behavioral health conditions of children as soon as they are identified, and that fosters access to preventive care for children, rates of immunization completion, coordination of care, child social-emotional health and safety, developmentally appropriate parenting, and maternal mental health. Dyadic behavioral health visits are provided for the child and caregiver or parent at medical visits, providing screening for behavioral health problems, interpersonal safety, tobacco and substance misuse and social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing instability, and referrals for appropriate followup care.

(c) This section shall be implemented only to the extent any necessary federal approvals are obtained, and federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized.

(d) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section, in whole or in part, by means of provider bulletins, plan letters, information notices, or other similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 143, Sec. 392. (AB 133) Effective July 27, 2021.)