Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and subject to appropriation, the department of mental health shall establish a 3-year pilot program of assertive community treatment to treat individuals under the age of 22 who: (1) exhibit symptoms of serious emotional disturbance; (2) demonstrate an inability to consistently use less intensive levels of care in the community; and (3) have functional impairment and a history of difficulty in functioning safely and successfully in the community, school, home, or workplace.

The pilot program shall include mental health services and social service assistance to eligible individuals through a person-centered approach, which may include, but not be limited to: (1) clinical assessment and outreach; (2) medication treatment and outreach; (3) care coordination, including with primary care; (4) symptom management; (5) harm reduction; (6) family services; (7) housing support; and (8) any needs that arise in carrying out the acts of daily living. The pilot program shall include a team-based approach to service delivery and shall tailor services to the specific needs and acuity of each individual eligible for the program. To the maximum extent possible, the program shall be consistent with the evidence-based practice standards for Assertive Community Treatment as found in SAMHSA’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) KIT.  Services offered through the pilot program shall not be limited to a specific physical location.

The department of mental health shall report not later than 12 months after the effective date of this act and annually thereafter to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery the progress and results of the pilot program and any identified barriers and challenges to treatment for the aforementioned treatment group.