Sec. 599.16. Behavioral health organizations

(a) Programs shall cooperate with designated regional behavioral health organizations and shall be authorized pursuant to section 33.13(d) of the Mental Hygiene Law to exchange clinical information concerning clients with such organizations. Information so exchanged shall be limited to the minimum necessary in light of the reason for the disclosure. Such information shall be kept confidential and any limitations on the release of such information imposed on the party giving such information shall apply to the party receiving such information.

(b) All clinic treatment programs designated by the office as specialty clinics serving children shall notify the designated regional behavioral health organization when a child who is covered by Medicaid managed care has been determined to have a serious emotional disturbance. The program shall notify the behavioral health organization of such child’s diagnosis, functional limitations and demographics.