Medi-Cal: behavioral health: data sharing.

Subdivision (b) now requires that the California Health and Human Services Agency determine minimum data elements and frequency/format 'in consultation with the California Health and Human Services Agency to ensure alignment with its Data Exchange Framework.' This is a new substantive requirement tying the bill's data sharing rules to CHHSA's existing Data Exchange Framework.

Subdivision (c)(1) now requires DHCS to consult with 'the California Health and Human Services Agency' in addition to Medi-Cal managed care plans, county specialty mental health plans, Drug Medi-Cal certified programs, and DMC-ODS programs when developing implementing guidance. CHHSA was not previously a required consultation party.

The bill clarifies agency naming throughout: 'the department' now refers specifically to the State Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), while the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHSA) is treated as the parent agency. Previously the language was ambiguous, using 'the department California Health and Human Services Agency' in a way that conflated the two entities.

The entity responsible for determining minimum data elements and the frequency and format of data sharing was changed from 'the department' (DHCS) to the 'California Health and Human Services Agency,' elevating this policy decision to the parent agency level.

In subdivision (c)(1), the entity that must consult with managed care plan representatives by March 1, 2026 was clarified as the 'State Department of Health Care Services' rather than just 'the department.'

In subdivision (c)(2), the entity that implements and interprets the section through all-county letters, plan letters, and provider bulletins was explicitly named as the 'State Department of Health Care Services.'