HB1565

House Bill 1565 authorizes the continuation of the Arkansas Legislative Study on Mental and Behavioral Health during the 94th General Assembly. The bill mandates that the House and Senate Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor convene regularly to evaluate the state's mental health resources. Key focus areas for the study include assessing healthcare accessibility, analyzing the financial state of crisis units and the Arkansas State Hospital, and investigating suicide rates and prevention programs among school-aged children. The committees are also tasked with examining Medicaid programs and best practices from other states. The study requires a final written report of findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislative Council by October 31, 2024, at which point the study will conclude. The primary goal is to provide data-driven recommendations for potential legislation to be considered during the 2025 Regular Session.