The Department of Human Services’ divisions focused on mental health and substance use disorder would be merged under an executive order issued Friday by Gov. JB Pritzker.
The order would combine the department’s Division of Mental Health and the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery into a new body called the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
The new division would remain under DHS’ purview. Pritzker’s office said employees from both offices will be transferred to the new division.
“The consolidation… will leverage the expertise of staff from both divisions, improve accessibility and accountability, improve outcomes for Illinoisans who have both mental illnesses and substance use disorders, reduce administrative burden on providers and enhance substance use disorder treatment in state-operated psychiatric hospitals,” according to the order.
The decision intends to address an overlap in patients who receive services from both divisions. One in four individuals with a serious mental illness also has a substance use disorder, according to the order, and almost 50 percent of inpatient substance use disorder patients have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder.
Thirty-two percent of inpatient psychiatric patients have a co-occurring substance use disorder.
Additionally, the order notes many providers serve both populations, with 61 community mental health centers licensed to provide substance use disorder services.
Unless state lawmakers vote down the order, it will take effect in 60 days.
The administration has discussed the plan with stakeholders and how it may streamline licensing, certification, reimbursement and other regulatory requirements. The goal of the consolidation is not to cut costs.
Jud DeLoss, CEO of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, said the organization welcomes the chance to work with the new division.
“Many… members provide both (mental health and substance use disorder) services, so working with one state agency would simplify processes greatly,” he said.