Behavioral Health - Language Assistance Services Pilot Program

This bill establishes a pilot program within Maryland's Behavioral Health Administration to help local authorities pay for language assistance services for children and their parents who have limited English proficiency. The program operates through a competitive grant process that funds licensed behavioral health providers to offer interpretation and translation services, ensuring these individuals can access care and make informed health decisions. To receive reimbursement, providers must submit a detailed plan outlining how they identify language needs, train staff, and communicate effectively with non-English speakers. The legislation allocates $120,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to fund at least three grants each year, with strict reporting requirements to track the number of individuals served and the specific languages involved. The program is set to run for four years, ending on June 30, 2028, after which it will expire automatically.