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Senate Bill 4059
116th Congress(2019-2020)
COVID–19 Behavioral Health Support Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Jun 24, 2020
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Introduced in Senate 
Jun 24, 2020
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Introduced in Senate(Jun 24, 2020)
Jun 24, 2020
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S. 4059 (Introduced-in-Senate)


116th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4059


To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States, political subdivisions of States, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, community-based entities, and primary care and behavioral health organizations to address behavioral health needs caused by the public health emergency declared with respect to COVID–19.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 24, 2020

Ms. Smith (for herself and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States, political subdivisions of States, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, community-based entities, and primary care and behavioral health organizations to address behavioral health needs caused by the public health emergency declared with respect to COVID–19.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “COVID–19 Behavioral Health Support Act”.

SEC. 2. Grants to support increased behavioral health needs due to COVID–19.

(a) In general.—The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use, shall award grants to States, political subdivisions of States, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, community-based entities, and primary care and behavioral health organizations to address behavioral health needs caused by the public health emergency declared pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) with respect to COVID–19.

(b) Use of funds.—An entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) may use funds received through such grant to—

(1) increase behavioral health treatment and prevention capacity, including to—

(A) promote coordination among local entities;

(B) train the behavioral health workforce, relevant stakeholders, and community members;

(C) upgrade technology to support effective delivery of health care services through telehealth modalities, including the purchase of telehealth equipment;

(D) purchase medical supplies and equipment for behavioral health treatment entities, providers, and patients;

(E) address and support surge capacity for behavioral health needs (such as through mobile units), including the purchasing of supplies and equipment;

(F) promote collaboration between primary care and mental health providers; and

(G) cover overhead costs, including rent and utility costs; and

(2) support or enhance behavioral health services, including—

(A) emergency crisis intervention, including mobile crisis units, 24/7 crisis call centers, and medically staffed crisis stabilization programs;

(B) screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment;

(C) mental health awareness trainings;

(D) evidence-based suicide prevention;

(E) evidence-based integrated care models;

(F) community recovery and peer supports;

(G) outreach to underserved and minority communities; and

(H) support for front line health care workers.

(c) Priority.—The Secretary shall give priority to applicants that are—

(1) culturally specific organizations, Tribal behavioral health and substance use disorder providers, or organizations that are intentional about serving populations where COVID–19 has had the most impact; or

(2) proposing to serve areas with a high number of COVID–19 cases.

(d) Evaluation.—An entity that receives a grant under this section shall prepare and submit an evaluation to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including—

(1) an evaluation of activities carried out with funds received through the grant; and

(2) a process and outcome evaluation.

(e) Authorization of appropriations.—To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021, to remain available until expended.