The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a sweeping update on June 2, 2025, outlining key program developments, funding opportunities, stakeholder events, and policy shifts. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of everything DHCS shared.

All quotations below are sourced from this DHCS Stakeholder news brief.

Proposition 1: $800M in Behavioral Health Infrastructure Grants Now Open

DHCS officially launched the second and final round of Proposition 1 Bond funding for the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP).

More than $800 million in grants are now available to eligible entities for the construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of properties supporting mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

“This funding will help address longstanding service gaps by improving access to behavioral health care, especially in communities with the greatest unmet needs.

Applications are due by October 28, 2025, and full details are available on the BHCIP website.

New Data Sharing Authorization Toolkits Released

DHCS has released two new Data Sharing Authorization Guidance (DSAG) toolkits aimed at simplifying compliance for organizations working in housing and reentry services under Medi-Cal programs. These resources complement DSAG 2.0 by providing real-world examples of when consent is needed to share sensitive health information.

“The toolkits aim to clarify when, why, and under what circumstances consent may be needed to share sensitive health and social services information under the relevant data sharing laws.”

Questions can be directed to DHCSDataSharing@dhcs.ca.gov.

DHCS Hiring for High-Level IT and Other Roles

DHCS is actively recruiting for a range of roles, including a new Assistant Deputy Director of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), responsible for overseeing IT architecture, policy, and security.

“This new ADD role will build collaborative working relationships with DHCS Executive Staff, program partners, and external stakeholders."

Additional positions in accounting and Medi-Cal eligibility are also open at CalCareers.

Upcoming Stakeholder Events and Webinars

DHCS will host several key public meetings in the coming weeks. Free accessibility services are available upon request.

June 3: Behavioral Health Transformation QEAC Webinar

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, this webinar will focus on improving mental health and SUD care through performance metrics.

June 10: Pharmacy Provider Enrollment Hearing

A 1-hour webinar will explain new Medi-Cal enrollment requirements for pharmacies with CLIA waivers, effective August 1.

“Pharmacy providers must apply to enroll in the Medi-Cal program by submitting a Medi-Cal provider enrollment online application, along with all supporting documentation.”

Advance registration is required to attend this webinar.

June 24: CDC Family Planning Guidelines Webinar

DHCS will present the latest CDC updates on reproductive health guidelines, featuring key changes for clinicians.

Advance registration is required to attend this webinar.

July 10: Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel

This quarterly meeting will review CCS Quality Metric redesigns and vision services at 1700 K Street in Sacramento or online.

This is a public webinar, accessible here.

Ongoing Funding and Public Comment Opportunities

PATH Justice-Involved Round 4 Funding Open

Round 4 is now available for existing Round 3 awardees involved in providing pre-release Medi-Cal services in correctional settings.

“This funding will help county behavioral health agencies implement behavioral health linkages.”

Applications are due July 11, 2025.

Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool RFA

DHCS will select up to 10 teams for its Flex Pools Technical Assistance Academy, offering $150K planning grants for housing-focused partnerships.

HCBA Waiver Amendment Open for Comment

Through June 12, the public can comment on the proposed Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) waiver updates, which support service delivery via telehealth.

Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) Also Open for Comment

SPA #25-0026 proposes to move ICF/DD-CN services from waiver-based to State Plan coverage. Comments are due by June 12, 2025.

“This transition advances California’s efforts to comply with the federal HCBS Final Rule by reinforcing the delivery of services in integrated, community-based settings.”

All comments must be received by June 12, 2025. If you have any questions, contact PublicInput@dhcs.ca.gov.

Looking Ahead

June 2025 marks a major moment in DHCS’ ongoing effort to modernize and expand California’s health and behavioral health systems. From launching the final $800 million round of BHCIP infrastructure grants to releasing detailed data-sharing toolkits and advancing stakeholder engagement, the department is driving comprehensive reform across the state.

Stakeholders, providers, and the public are encouraged to engage with these opportunities, attend upcoming webinars, and submit feedback where invited. For more information or to apply for open funding rounds, visit dhcs.ca.gov.