Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Triage Act; enact.

SB 2887, the "Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Triage Act," requires Mississippi providers and insurers to use specific, evidence-based clinical criteria (like ASAM for substance use disorders and LOCUS/CALOCUS for mental health) to determine appropriate care levels. It directly affects individuals seeking behavioral health or substance use treatment, providers delivering these services, and payors (including Medicaid and commercial insurers). The law mandates that placement decisions be based solely on objective clinical data - not bed availability or cost - to prevent inappropriate care, reduce ER visits and overdoses, and ensure seamless transitions between treatment levels. It does not create new benefits but ensures existing services are used efficiently, with implementation required by 2027.