Colorado § 24-33.5-121 - Alternative response programs, co-responder programs, mobile crisis response programs - data collection - legislative declaration.

§ 24-33.5-121. Alternative response programs, co-responder programs, mobile crisis response programs - data collection - legislative declaration.

(1) (a) The general assembly finds that some Colorado communities utilize unique resources and model programs when responding to a behavioral health crisis, including co-responder programs, alternative response programs, and mobile crisis response programs. However, there is no repository of information about, nor a general understanding of, why the different resources and model programs work in each community.

(b) Therefore, the general assembly declares that in order to encourage and assist other Colorado communities to develop resources and a model program specific to the community's needs, the department of public safety and the behavioral health administration shall consult with stakeholders to identify existing resources and model programs, compile the information, and make the information publicly available.

(2) (a) No later than June 30, 2026, the department, in collaboration with the behavioral health administration in the department of human services, shall consult with stakeholders to identify:

(I) Existing resources and model programs that communities throughout Colorado utilize when responding to behavioral health crises, including, but not limited to, co-responder programs, alternative response programs, and mobile crisis response programs; and

(II) The reimbursement shortages and gaps within the continuum of care for behavioral health crisis response, and reimbursement and funding options that are available at the state and federal level to address the shortages and gaps, including funding for treatment in place identified by stakeholders.

(b) At a minimum, the stakeholders consulted with pursuant to subsection (2)(a) of this section must include representatives from communities that have existing resources and programs; comprehensive community behavioral health providers; essential behavioral health safety net providers that furnish crisis services; representatives from local programs relevant to the community, such as family resource centers, domestic violence programs, substance use treatment providers, and independent clinicians or qualified unlicensed independent providers; representatives certified in pediatric health care; representatives from agencies providing law enforcement and fire protection; representatives from an organization representing emergency medical services, emergency response services, or the state emergency medical and trauma services advisory council created in section 25-3.5-104; and any other representatives the department and behavioral health administration determine are necessary.

(3) (a) After consulting with the stakeholders pursuant to subsection (2)(a) of this section, but no later than June 30, 2026, the department shall compile a list of existing resources and model programs, and report reimbursement shortages and gaps identified by the stakeholders and develop recommendations for addressing the shortages and gaps. The department and the behavioral health administration shall make the resources, model programs, and recommendations publicly available on the department's website.

(b) (I) In its 2027 annual report to the committees of reference made pursuant to section 2-7-203, the department shall provide a report on the information compiled and the analysis and recommendations developed pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section.

(II) The department shall submit the report developed pursuant to subsection (3)(b)(I) of this section to any impacted state agency.

(c) The department and the BHA shall continually update the resources and model programs compiled pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section, as the department determines is necessary.

Source: L. 2025: Entire section added, (SB 25-042), ch. 28, p. 157, § 1, effective August 6.