California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed four bills aimed at improving access to behavioral healthcare in the state, specifically for those facing mental health issues and substance use disorders.
One law is designed to streamline the involvement of the state's Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act, which provides a framework for connecting individuals with severe mental health issues and substance use disorders to necessary treatment and proper housing. The new law aims to improve the petition process and communication among involved parties.
Another law will increase the amount of hospital beds available for the treatment of substance use disorder by building in increased flexibility for facilities with respect to their treatment slots.