MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT) Timely Access Standards
L.A. Care Health Plan·CA · Psychiatry·Provider Communication
Effective date
May 14, 2024
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
L.A. Care Health Plan requires BHT (Behavioral Health Treatment) providers to offer first available appointments within 10 business days of authorization requests for initial services including assessments and Functional Behavior Assessments. Providers must document the first available appointment offered using L.A. Care's specific reporting template.
Action Required
Immediately: BHT providers must schedule first available appointments within 10 business days of L.A. Care authorization requests for initial services (assessments, FBAs, first direct services authorizations). Document all first available appointment offers using L.A. Care's reporting template available at https://www.lacare.org/sites/default/files/pl1855_reporting_template_202402.pdf. Contact ASDbenefit@lacare.org for questions about compliance requirements.