AB 2333: Office of Emergency Services: behavioral health response.

The California Emergency Services Act establishes the Office of Emergency Services within the Governors office under the supervision of the Director of Emergency Services and makes the office responsible for the states emergency and disaster response services for natural, technological, or manmade disasters and emergencies. Existing law authorizes the Governor, or the director when the governor is inaccessible, to proclaim a state of emergency under specified circumstances.

This bill would establish a behavioral health deputy director within the Office of Emergency Services to ensure individuals have access to necessary mental and behavioral health services and supports in the aftermath of a natural disaster or declaration of a state of emergency and would require the deputy director to collaborate with the Director of Health Care Services to coordinate the delivery of trauma-related support to individuals affected by a natural disaster or state of emergency. The bill would require the Director of Health Care Services, in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Services, to immediately request necessary federal and state waivers to ensure the provision of health care services, as specified, during a natural disaster or declared state of emergency.