1370.01.

 (a) If the defendant is found mentally competent, the criminal process shall resume, and the trial on the offense charged or hearing on the alleged violation shall proceed.

(b) If the defendant is found mentally incompetent, the trial, judgment, or hearing on the alleged violation shall be suspended and the court may do either of the following:

(1) (A) Conduct a hearing, pursuant to Chapter 2.8A (commencing with Section 1001.35) of Title 6, and, if the court deems the defendant eligible, grant diversion pursuant to Section 1001.36 for a period not to exceed one year from the date the individual is accepted into diversion or the maximum term of imprisonment provided by law for the most serious offense charged in the misdemeanor complaint, whichever is shorter.

(B) If the court opts to conduct a hearing pursuant to this paragraph, the hearing shall be held no later than 30 days after the finding of incompetence. If the hearing is delayed beyond 30 days, the court shall order the defendant to be released on their own recognizance pending the hearing.

(C) If the defendant performs satisfactorily on diversion pursuant to this section, at the end of the period of diversion, the court shall dismiss the criminal charges that were the subject of the criminal proceedings at the time of the initial diversion.

(D) If the court finds the defendant ineligible for diversion based on the circumstances set forth in subdivision (b), (c), (d), or (g) of Section 1001.36, the court may, after notice to the defendant, defense counsel, and the prosecution, hold a hearing to determine whether to do any of the following:

(i) Order modification of the treatment plan in accordance with a recommendation from the treatment provider.

(ii) Refer the defendant to assisted outpatient treatment pursuant to Section 5346 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. A referral to assisted outpatient treatment may only occur in a county where services are available pursuant to Section 5348 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and the agency agrees to accept responsibility for treatment of the defendant. A hearing to determine eligibility for assisted outpatient treatment shall be held within 45 days after the date of the referral. If the hearing is delayed beyond 45 days, the court shall order the defendant, if confined in county jail, to be released on their own recognizance pending that hearing. If the defendant is accepted into assisted outpatient treatment, the charges shall be dismissed pursuant to Section 1385.

(iii) Refer the defendant to the county conservatorship investigator in the county of commitment for possible conservatorship proceedings for the defendant pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5350) of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. A defendant shall only be referred to the conservatorship investigator if, based on the opinion of a qualified mental health expert, the defendant appears to be gravely disabled, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (h) of Section 5008 of the Welfare and Institution Code. Any hearings required in the conservatorship proceedings shall be held in the superior court in the county of commitment. The court shall transmit a copy of the order directing initiation of conservatorship proceedings to the county mental health director or the director’s designee and shall notify the county mental health director or their designee of the outcome of the proceedings. Before establishing a conservatorship, the public guardian shall investigate all available alternatives to conservatorship pursuant to Section 5354 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. If a petition is not filed within 60 days of the referral, the court shall order the defendant, if confined in county jail, to be released on their own recognizance pending conservatorship proceedings. If the outcome of the conservatorship proceedings results in the establishment of conservatorship, the charges shall be dismissed pursuant to Section 1385.

(iv) Refer the defendant to the CARE program pursuant to Section 5978 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. A hearing to determine eligibility for CARE shall be held within 14 court days after the date on which the petition for the referral is filed. If the hearing is delayed beyond 14 court days, the court shall order the defendant, if confined in county jail, to be released on their own recognizance pending that hearing. If the defendant is accepted into CARE, the charges shall be dismissed pursuant to Section 1385.

(2) Dismiss the charges pursuant to Section 1385. If the criminal action is dismissed, the court shall transmit a copy of the order of dismissal to the county behavioral health director or the director’s designee.

(c) If the defendant is found mentally incompetent and is on a grant of probation for a misdemeanor offense, the court shall dismiss the pending revocation matter and may return the defendant to supervision. If the revocation matter is dismissed pursuant to this subdivision, the court may modify the terms and conditions of supervision to include appropriate mental health treatment.

(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that a defendant subject to the terms of this section receive mental health treatment in a treatment facility and not a jail. A term of four days will be deemed to have been served for every two days spent in actual custody against the maximum term of diversion. A defendant not in actual custody shall otherwise receive day for day credit against the term of diversion from the date the defendant is accepted into diversion. “Actual custody” has the same meaning as in Section 4019.

(e) This section shall apply only as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 1367.

5970.

 This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act.

5970.5.

 This part shall be implemented as follows, with technical assistance and continuous quality improvement, pursuant to Section 5983:

(a) A first cohort of counties, which shall include the Counties of Glenn, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne, and the City and County of San Francisco, shall begin no later than October 1, 2023, unless the county is provided additional time pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).

(b) A second cohort of counties, representing the remaining population of the state, shall begin no later than December 1, 2024, unless the county is provided additional time pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).

(c) (1) The department shall issue guidelines under which counties can apply for, and be provided, additional time to implement this part. The guidelines shall not be subject to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

(2) The department shall approve implementation delay for the first or second cohort if the county experiences a state or local emergency and the delay of the provision of the CARE process is necessary as a result of the emergency.

(3) The department shall only grant one extension per county and the final date for counties to implement under any circumstances shall be December 1, 2025.

(d) This part shall become operative only upon the department, in consultation with county stakeholders, developing a CARE Act allocation to provide state financial assistance to counties to implement the care process in this act.

5971.

 Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions shall govern the construction of this part.

(a) “CARE agreement” means a voluntary settlement agreement entered into by the parties. A CARE agreement includes the same elements as a CARE plan to support the respondent in accessing community-based services and supports.

(b) “CARE plan” means an individualized, appropriate range of community-based services and supports, as set forth in this part, which include clinically appropriate behavioral health care and stabilization medications, housing, and other supportive services, as appropriate, pursuant to Section 5982.

(c) “CARE process” means the court and related proceedings to implement the CARE Act.

(d) “Counsel” means the attorney representing the respondent, appointed pursuant to Section 5977, or chosen by the respondent, in CARE Act proceedings and matters related to CARE agreements and CARE plans. Representation of a respondent in these matters does not alter counsel’s obligations under the State Bar Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct, including subdivision (e) of Section 6068 of the Business and Professions Code and rule 1.6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

(e) “County behavioral health agency” means the local director of mental health services described in Section 5607, the local behavioral health director, or both as applicable, or their designee.

(f) “Court-ordered evaluation” means an evaluation ordered by a superior court pursuant to Section 5977.1.

(g) “Department” means the State Department of Health Care Services.

(h) “Graduation plan” means a voluntary agreement entered into by the parties at the end of the CARE program that includes a strategy to support a successful transition out of court jurisdiction and that may include a psychiatric advance directive. A graduation plan includes the same elements as a CARE plan to support the respondent in accessing community-based services and supports. The graduation plan shall not place additional requirements on the local government entities and is not enforceable by the court.

(i) “Homeless outreach worker” means a person who engages people experiencing homelessness to assess for unmet needs, offer information, services, or other assistance, or provide care coordination.

(j) “Indian health care provider” means a health care program operated by the Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, a tribal organization, or urban Indian organization (I/T/U) as those terms are defined in Section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1603).

(k) “Legal proceeding” means any administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding, including, but not limited to, juvenile court proceedings and family court proceedings and services, and any form of alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation, except for the following:

(1) A proceeding under this part.

(2) A proceeding under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act described in paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 5979.

(3) A proceeding from which the respondent was referred to CARE Act proceedings as described in Section 5978.

(4) A disciplinary proceeding under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 6000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.

(5) An appeal from any of the proceedings identified in paragraphs (1) through (4), inclusive.

(l) “Licensed behavioral health professional” means either of the following:

(1) A licensed mental health professional, as defined in subdivision (j) of Section 4096.

(2) A person who has been granted a waiver of licensure requirements by the department pursuant to Section 5751.2.

(m) “Parties” means the petitioner, the respondent, the county behavioral health agency in the county where proceedings under this part are pending, and any local governmental entity added by the court pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 5977.1.

(n) “Petitioner” means the person who files the CARE Act petition with the court. Additionally, if the petitioner is a person listed in Section 5974 other than the director of a county behavioral health agency, or their designee, the petitioner shall have the right to file a petition with the court, but at the initial hearing the court shall substitute the director of a county behavioral health agency, or their designee, of the county in which the proceedings are filed as petitioner. The original petitioner may, at the court’s discretion and in furtherance of the interests of the respondent, retain rights as described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 5977.

(o) “Psychiatric advance directive” means a legal document, executed on a voluntary basis in accordance with the requirements for advance health care directives in Division 4.7 (commencing with Section 4600) of the Probate Code, by a person who has the capacity to make medical decisions, that allows a person with mental illness to protect their autonomy and ability to direct their own care by documenting their preferences for treatment in advance of a mental health crisis.

(p) “Respondent” means the person who is the subject of the petition for the CARE process.

(q) “Stabilization medications” means medications included in the CARE plan that primarily consist of antipsychotic medications to reduce symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Stabilization medications may be administered as long-acting injections if clinically indicated. Stabilization medications shall not be forcibly administered.

(r) “Supporter” means an adult designated by the respondent who assists the person who is the subject of the petition, which assistance may include supporting the person to understand, make, communicate, implement, or act on their own life decisions during the CARE process, including a CARE agreement, a CARE plan, and developing a graduation plan. A supporter shall not act independently.

5972.

 An individual shall qualify for the CARE process only if all of the following criteria are met:

(a) The person is 18 years of age or older.

(b) The person is currently experiencing a serious mental disorder, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 5600.3 and has a diagnosis identified in the disorder class: schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, as defined in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This section does not establish respondent eligibility based upon a psychotic disorder that is due to a medical condition or is not primarily psychiatric in nature, including, but not limited to, physical health conditions such as traumatic brain injury, autism, dementia, or neurologic conditions. A person who has a current diagnosis of substance use disorder as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 1374.72 of the Health and Safety Code but who does not also meet the required criteria in this section shall not qualify for the CARE process.

(c) The person is not clinically stabilized in on-going voluntary treatment.

(d) At least one of the following is true:

(1) The person is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision and the person’s condition is substantially deteriorating.

(2) The person is in need of services and supports in order to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would be likely to result in grave disability or serious harm to the person or others, as used in Section 5150.

(e) Participation in a CARE plan or CARE agreement would be the least restrictive alternative necessary to ensure the person’s recovery and stability.

(f) It is likely that the person will benefit from participation in a CARE plan or CARE agreement.

5973.

 (a) Proceedings under this part may be commenced in any of the following:

(1) The county in which the respondent resides.

(2) The county where the respondent is found.

(3) The county where the respondent is facing criminal or civil proceedings.

(b) If the respondent does not reside in the county in which proceedings are initiated under this subdivision, as determined in accordance with Section 244 of the Government Code, except as provided in subdivision (f) of Section 5982, and this part is operative in the respondent’s county of residence, the proceeding shall, with the respondent’s consent, be transferred to the county of residence as soon as reasonably feasible. Should the respondent not consent to the transfer, the proceedings shall continue in the county where the respondent was found.

5974.

 The following adult persons may file a petition to commence the CARE process:

(a) A person with whom the respondent resides.

(b) A spouse, parent, sibling, child, or grandparent or an individual who stands in loco parentis to the respondent.

(c) The director of a hospital in which the respondent is hospitalized, including hospitalized pursuant to Section 5150 or 5250, or the director’s designee.

(d) The director of a public or charitable organization, agency, or home, or their designee, who has, within the previous 30 days, provided or who is currently providing behavioral health services to the respondent or in whose institution the respondent resides.

(e) A licensed behavioral health professional, or their designee, who is, or has been within the previous 30 days, either supervising the treatment of, or treating the respondent for a mental illness.

(f) A first responder, including a peace officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, mobile crisis response worker, or homeless outreach worker, who has had repeated interactions with the respondent in the form of multiple arrests, multiple detentions and transportation pursuant to Section 5150, multiple attempts to engage the respondent in voluntary treatment, or other repeated efforts to aid the respondent in obtaining professional assistance.

(g) The public guardian or public conservator, or their designee, of the county in which the respondent resides or is found.

(h) The director of a county behavioral health agency, or their designee, of the county in which the respondent resides or is found.

(i) The director of county adult protective services, or their designee, of the county in which the respondent resides or is found.

(j) The director of a California Indian health services program, California tribal behavioral health department, who has, within the previous 30 days, provided or who is currently providing behavioral health services to the respondent, or the director’s designee.

(k) The judge of a tribal court located in California before which the respondent has appeared within the previous 30 days, or the judge’s designee.

(l) The respondent.

5975.1.

 (a) Notwithstanding Section 391 of the Code of Civil Procedure, if a person other than the respondent files a petition for CARE Act proceedings that is without merit or is intended to harass or annoy the respondent, and the person has previously filed a pleading in CARE Act proceedings that was without merit or was intended to harass or annoy the respondent, the petition shall be grounds for the court to determine that the person is a vexatious litigant for the purposes of Title 3A (commencing with Section 391) of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(b) (1) If a person other than the respondent files a petition for CARE Act proceedings in order to gain an advantage over the respondent in another legal proceeding, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this part, it is cause for suspension, disbarment, or other discipline if a member of the State Bar is found to have filed the petition or assisted in the filing of the petition with knowledge that the filing was being made in order to gain that advantage.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “legal proceeding” shall not include:

(A) A proceeding under Part 1 (commencing with Section 5000) of Division 5.

(B) A proceeding under Section 300.

5975.2.

 CARE Act proceedings may be conducted by a superior court judge or by a court-appointed commissioner or other subordinate judicial officer.

5975.3.

 There shall be no fee for filing under this chapter nor shall any fees be charged by any public officer for services in filing or serving papers or for the performance of any duty enjoined by the CARE Act.

5976.

 The respondent shall:

(a) Receive notice of the hearings.

(b) Receive a copy of the court-ordered evaluation.

(c) Be entitled to be represented by counsel at all stages of a proceeding commenced under this chapter, regardless of the ability to pay.

(d) Be allowed to have a supporter be present with them to perform the functions described in Sections 5980 and 5981, subject to the limits provided in those sections.

(e) Have the right to be present at the hearing unless the respondent waives that right.

(f) Have the right to present evidence.

(g) Have the right to call witnesses.

(h) Have the right to cross-examine witnesses.

(i) Have the right to appeal decisions, and to be informed of the right to appeal.

(j) Have the right to an interpreter in all proceedings if necessary for the respondent to fully participate.

5976.5.

 (a) Notwithstanding any other law, and except as otherwise provided in this section, a hearing held under this part is presumptively closed to the public.

(b) The respondent may demand that the hearing be public and be held in a place suitable for attendance by the public.

(c) The respondent may request the presence of any family member or friend without waiving the right to keep the hearing closed to the rest of the public.

(d) A request by any other party to the proceeding to make the hearing public may be granted if the judicial officer conducting the hearing finds that the public interest in an open hearing clearly outweighs the respondent’s interest in privacy.

(e) All reports, evaluations, diagnoses, or other information filed with the court related to the respondent’s health shall be confidential. The respondent may at any time petition the court for an order sealing these records or any other court records in a proceeding held under this part. Notwithstanding any rule of court prohibiting records kept confidential by law from consideration for sealing, if such a petition is filed, there shall exist a presumption in favor of sealing.

(f) The fact that evidence is admitted at a proceeding held under this part shall not be the basis for admission of that evidence in any subsequent legal proceeding.

(g) Photographs, recordings, transcripts, other records of proceedings held under this part, and testimony regarding proceedings held under this part shall not be admissible in any subsequent legal proceeding except upon motion by one of the following in that subsequent legal proceeding:

(1) The respondent.

(2) The county behavioral health agency, the public guardian, or the public conservator.

(h) In a proceeding held under this part, this section shall not affect the applicability of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 5977.1, make admissible any evidence that is not otherwise admissible, or permit a witness to base an opinion on any matter that is not a proper basis for that opinion. The admission or exclusion of evidence shall be pursuant to the rules of evidence established by the Evidence Code, including, but not limited to, Section 352 of the Evidence Code, and by judicial decision.

(i) Before commencing a hearing, the judicial officer shall inform the respondent of their rights under this section.

5977.

 (a) (1) The court shall promptly review the petition to determine if the petitioner has made a prima facie showing that the respondent is, or may be, a person described in Section 5972.

(2) If the court finds that the petitioner has not made a prima facie showing that the respondent is, or may be, a person described in Section 5972, the court may dismiss the case without prejudice subject to consideration of Section 5975.1.

(3) If the court finds that the petitioner has made a prima facie showing that the respondent is, or may be, a person described in Section 5972, the court shall do one of the following:

(A) If the petitioner is the director of a county behavioral health agency, or their designee, the court shall do the following:

(i) Set the matter for an initial appearance on the petition within 14 court days.

(ii) Appoint a qualified legal services project, as defined in Sections 6213 to 6214.5, inclusive, of the Business and Professions Code, to represent the respondent. If no legal services project has agreed to accept these appointments, a public defender or other counsel working in that capacity shall be appointed to represent the respondent.

(iii) Determine whether the petition includes all of the following information and, if it does not, order the county behavioral health agency to submit a written report with the court within 14 court days that includes all of the following:

(I) A determination as to whether the respondent meets, or is likely to meet, the criteria for the CARE process.

(II) The outcome of efforts made to voluntarily engage the respondent prior to the filing of the petition.

(III) Conclusions and recommendations about the respondent’s ability to voluntarily engage in services.

(iv) Order the county behavioral health agency to provide notice to the respondent, the appointed counsel, and the county behavioral health agency in the county where the respondent resides, if different from the county where the CARE process has commenced.

(B) If the petitioner is a person other than the director of a county behavioral health agency, or their designee, the court shall order a county agency, or their designee, as determined by the court, to investigate, as necessary, and file a written report with the court within 14 court days and provide notice to the respondent and petitioner that a report has been ordered. The written report shall include all of the following:

(i) A determination as to whether the respondent meets, or is likely to meet, the criteria for the CARE process.

(ii) The outcome of efforts made to voluntarily engage the respondent during the 14-day report period.

(iii) Conclusions and recommendations about the respondent’s ability to voluntarily engage in services.

(iv) The information, including protected health information, necessary to support the determinations, conclusions, and recommendations in the report.

(4) If, upon a request by the county agency ordered to investigate and file a report under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3), the court finds that the county agency is making progress to engage the respondent, the court may, in its discretion, grant the county agency no more than 30 additional days to continue to work with, engage, and enroll the individual in voluntary treatment and services. The county agency shall provide notice to the respondent and petitioner that an extension for filing a report has been granted.

(5) Upon receipt of the report described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3), the court shall, within five days, take one of the following actions:

(A) If the court determines that voluntary engagement with the respondent is effective, and that the individual has enrolled or is likely to enroll in voluntary behavioral health treatment, the court shall dismiss the matter.

(B) If the court determines that the county agency’s report does not support the petition’s prima facie showing that the respondent is, or may be, a person described in Section 5972, the court shall dismiss the matter. This section shall not prevent a county behavioral health agency from continuing to voluntarily engage with a person not described in Section 5972 but who is in need of services and supports.

(C) If the court determines that the county agency’s report does support the petition’s prima facie showing that the respondent is, or may be, a person described in Section 5972, and engagement with the county agency was not effective, the court shall do all of the following:

(i) Set an initial appearance on the petition within 14 court days.

(ii) Appoint a qualified legal services project, as defined in Sections 6213 to 6214.5, inclusive, of the Business and Professions Code or, if no legal services project has agreed to accept these appointments, a public defender or other counsel working in that capacity to represent the respondent.

(iii) Order the county agency to provide notice of the initial appearance to the petitioner, the respondent, the appointed counsel, the county behavioral health agency in the county where the respondent resides, and, if different, the county where the CARE court proceedings have commenced.

(b) At the initial appearance on the petition, all of the following shall apply:

(1) The court shall permit the respondent to substitute their own counsel.

(2) Petitioner shall be present. If the petitioner is not present, the matter may be dismissed.

(3) Respondent may waive personal appearance and appear through counsel. If the respondent does not waive personal appearance and does not appear at the hearing, and the court makes a finding in open court that reasonable attempts to elicit the attendance of the respondent have failed, the court may conduct the hearing in the respondent’s absence if the court makes a finding in open court that conducting the hearing without the participation or presence of the respondent would be in the respondent’s best interest.

(4) A representative from the county behavioral health agency shall be present.

(5) If the respondent asserts that they are enrolled in a federally recognized Indian tribe or are receiving services from an Indian health care provider, a tribal court, or a tribal organization, a representative from the program, the tribe, or the tribal court shall be allowed to be present, subject to the consent of the respondent. The tribal representative shall be entitled to notice by the county of the initial appearance.

(6) (A) If the petitioner is a person other than the director of a county behavioral health agency, or their designee, the court shall issue an order relieving the original petitioner and appointing the director of the county behavioral health agency or their designee as the successor petitioner.

(B) If the original petitioner is described in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 5974, all of the following apply:

(i) The original petitioner shall have the right to be present and make a statement at the initial hearing on the merits of the petition held pursuant to paragraph (7).

(ii) The court may, in its discretion, assign ongoing rights of notice to the original petitioner.

(iii) To the extent that the respondent consents, the court may allow the original petitioner to participate in the respondent’s CARE proceedings.

(iv) The original petitioner may file a new petition with the court, pursuant to Section 5974, if the matter is dismissed and there is a change in circumstances.

(C) If the original petitioner is not described in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 5974, the court shall not assign ongoing rights to the original petitioner, other than the right to be present and make a statement at the hearing on the merits of the petition held pursuant to paragraph (7).

(7) (A) The court shall set a hearing on the merits of the petition within 10 days, at which time the court shall determine whether, by clear and convincing evidence, the respondent meets the CARE criteria in Section 5972. In making this determination, the court shall consider all evidence properly before it, including any report from the county behavioral health agency ordered pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) and any additional admissible evidence presented by the parties, including the petition submitted and any statement given by the original petitioner.

(B) The hearing on the merits of the petition may be conducted concurrently with the initial appearance upon stipulation of the successor petitioner and the respondent, subject to the approval by the court.

(c) (1) If, at the hearing on the merits of the petition, the court finds there is not clear and convincing evidence that the respondent meets the CARE criteria in Section 5972, the court shall dismiss the case without prejudice, unless the court makes a finding, in open court, that the original petitioner’s filing was not in good faith, in which case the dismissal shall be with prejudice.

(2) If, at the hearing on the merits of the petition, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent meets the CARE criteria in Section 5972, the court shall order the county behavioral health agency to work with the respondent, the respondent’s counsel, and the supporter to engage the respondent in behavioral health treatment and attempt to enter into a CARE agreement. The court shall set a case management hearing within 14 days.

(3) If the respondent is enrolled in a federally recognized Indian tribe, the respondent shall provide notice of the case management hearing to the tribe, subject to the consent of the respondent.

(d) The following shall apply to any written report submitted by a county behavioral health agency to the court pursuant to this section:

(1) The report is confidential and not subject to disclosure or inspection under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code).

(2) The report is inadmissible in any subsequent legal proceeding, except upon motion of the respondent in that subsequent legal proceeding.

(3) The report shall be confidential pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 5976.5.

(4) This subdivision shall not affect the applicability of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 5977.1, make admissible any evidence that is not otherwise admissible, or permit a witness to base an opinion on any matter that is not a proper basis for such an opinion. The admission or exclusion of evidence shall be pursuant to the rules of evidence established by the Evidence Code, including, but not limited to, Section 352 of the Evidence Code, and by judicial decision.

5977.1.

 (a) (1) At the case management hearing, the court shall hear evidence as to whether the parties have entered, or are likely to enter, into a CARE agreement.

(2) If the court finds that the parties have entered, or are likely to enter, into a CARE agreement, the court shall do one of the following:

(A) Approve the terms of the CARE agreement or modify the terms of the CARE agreement and approve the agreement as modified by the court, and continue the matter and set a progress hearing for 60 days.

(B) Continue the matter for 14 days to allow the parties additional time to enter into a CARE agreement, upon stipulation of the parties.

(b) If the court finds that the parties have not entered into a CARE agreement, and are not likely to enter into a CARE agreement, the court shall order the county behavioral health agency, through a licensed behavioral health professional, to conduct a clinical evaluation of the respondent, unless there is an existing clinical evaluation of the respondent completed within the last 30 days and the parties stipulate to the use of that evaluation. The evaluation shall address, at a minimum, the following:

(1) A clinical diagnosis of the respondent.

(2) Whether the respondent has the legal capacity to give informed consent regarding psychotropic medication.

(3) Any other information as ordered by the court or that the licensed behavioral health professional conducting the evaluation determines would help the court make future informed decisions about the appropriate care and services the respondent should receive.

(4) An analysis of recommended services, programs, housing, medications, and interventions that support the recovery and stability of the respondent.

(c) (1) The court shall set a clinical evaluation hearing to review the evaluation within 21 days. The court shall order the county to file the evaluation with the court and provide the evaluation to the respondent’s counsel no later than five days prior to the scheduled clinical evaluation hearing. The clinical evaluation hearing may be continued for a maximum of 14 days upon stipulation of the respondent and the county behavioral health agency, unless there is good cause for a longer extension.

(2) At the clinical evaluation review hearing, the court shall review the evaluation and other evidence from the county behavioral health agency and the respondent. The county behavioral health agency and the respondent may present evidence and call witnesses, including the person who conducted the evaluation. Only relevant and admissible evidence that fully complies with the rules of evidence may be considered by the court.

(3) At the conclusion of the hearing, the court shall determine whether the respondent, by clear and convincing evidence, meets the CARE criteria in Section 5972 and make orders as follows:

(A) If the court finds that the respondent meets the CARE criteria, the court shall order the county behavioral health agency, the respondent, and the respondent’s counsel and supporter to jointly develop a CARE plan within 14 days.

(B) If the court does not find that clear and convincing evidence establishes that the respondent meets the CARE criteria, the court shall dismiss the petition.

(4) If the respondent is a self-identified American Indian or Alaska Native individual, as defined in Sections 1603(13), 1603(28), and 1679(a) of Title 25 of the United States Code, has been determined eligible as an Indian under Section 136.12 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or is currently receiving services from an Indian health care provider or tribal court, the county behavioral health agency shall use its best efforts to meaningfully consult with and incorporate the Indian health care provider or tribal court available to the respondent to develop the CARE plan.

(5) The evaluation and all reports, documents, and filings submitted to the court shall be confidential.

(6) The date for the hearing to review and consider approval of the proposed CARE plan shall be set not more than 14 days from the date of the order to develop a CARE plan, unless the court finds good cause for an extension. The party requesting an extension of time for the CARE plan review hearing shall provide notice to the opposing party and their counsel of the request for extension of time, and the court’s order if the request is granted.

(d) (1) At the CARE plan review hearing, the parties shall present their plan or plans to the court. The county behavioral health agency or the respondent, or both, may present a proposed CARE plan.

(2) After consideration of the plans proposed by the parties, the court shall adopt the elements of a CARE plan that support the recovery and stability of the respondent. The court may issue any orders necessary to support the respondent in accessing appropriate services and supports, including prioritization for those services and supports, subject to applicable laws and available funding pursuant to Section 5982. These orders shall constitute the CARE plan.

(3) A court may order medication if it finds, upon review of the court-ordered evaluation and hearing from the parties, that, by clear and convincing evidence, the respondent lacks the capacity to give informed consent to the administration of medically necessary stabilization medication. To the extent the court orders medically necessary stabilization medication, the medication shall not be forcibly administered and the respondent’s failure to comply with a medication order shall not result in a penalty, including, but not limited to, contempt or termination of the CARE plan pursuant to Section 5979.

(4) If the proposed CARE plan includes services and supports, such as housing, provided directly or indirectly through another local governmental entity, that local entity may agree to provide the service or support, or the court may consider a motion by either of the parties to add the local entity as a party to the CARE proceeding. If the local entity agrees to provide the service or support, it may request to be added as a party by the court.

(5) If, after presentation of the CARE plan or plans, the court determines that additional information is needed, including from a licensed behavioral health professional, the court shall order a supplemental report to be filed by the county behavioral health agency for which the court may grant a continuance of no more than 14 days, unless there is good cause for a longer extension.

(6) If there is no CARE plan because the parties have not had sufficient time to complete it, the court may grant a continuance of no more than 14 days, unless there is good cause for a longer extension.

(e) The issuance of an order approving a CARE plan pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) begins the CARE process timeline, which shall not exceed one year.

5977.2.

 (a) (1) At intervals set by the court and not less frequently than every 60 days after the court orders the CARE plan, the court shall hold a status review hearing. The county behavioral health agency shall file with the court and serve on the respondent, and the respondent’s counsel and supporter, a report no fewer than five court days prior to the review hearing with the following information:

(A) The progress that the respondent has made on the CARE plan.

(B) What services and supports in the CARE plan were provided, and what services and supports were not provided.

(C) Any issues the respondent expressed or exhibited in adhering to the CARE plan.

(D) Recommendations for changes to the services and supports to make the CARE plan more successful.

(2) The respondent shall be permitted to respond to the report submitted by the county behavioral health agency and to the county behavioral health agency’s testimony. The respondent shall be permitted to introduce their own information and recommendations.

(3) Subject to applicable law, intermittent lapses or setbacks described in this section of the report shall not impact access to services, treatment, or housing.

(b) The county behavioral health agency or the respondent may request, or the court upon its own motion may set, a hearing to occur at any time during the CARE process to address a change of circumstances.

5977.3.

 (a) (1) In the 11th month of the process timeline, the court shall hold a one-year status hearing. Not fewer than five court days prior to the one-year status hearing, the county behavioral health agency shall file a report with the court and shall serve the report on the respondent and the respondent’s counsel and supporter. The report shall include the following information:

(A) The progress that the respondent has made on the CARE plan, including a final assessment of the respondent’s stability.

(B) What services and supports in the CARE plan were provided, and what services and supports were not provided, over the life of the program.

(C) Any issues the respondent expressed or exhibited in adhering to the CARE plan.

(D) Recommendations for next steps, including what ongoing and additional services would benefit the respondent that the county behavioral health agency can facilitate or provide.

(2) At an evidentiary hearing, the respondent shall be permitted to respond to the report submitted by the county behavioral health agency and to the county behavioral health agency’s testimony. Respondent shall be permitted to introduce their own information and recommendations. The respondent shall have the right at the hearing to call witnesses and to present evidence as to whether the respondent agrees with the report. The respondent may request either to be graduated from the program or to remain in the program.

(3) The court shall issue an order as follows:

(A) If the respondent elects to be graduated from the program, the court shall order the county behavioral health agency and the respondent to work jointly on a voluntary graduation plan. The court shall schedule a hearing in the 12th month after adoption of the CARE plan for presentation of the graduation plan. The court shall review the graduation plan and recite the terms in open court. The graduation plan shall not place additional requirements on local governmental entities and is not enforceable by the court, except that the graduation plan may, at the respondent’s election, include a psychiatric advance directive, which shall have the force of law. Upon completion of the hearing, the respondent shall be officially graduated from the program.

(B) If the respondent elects to remain in the CARE process, respondent may request any amount of time, up to and including one additional year. The court may permit the ongoing voluntary participation of the respondent if the court finds both of the following:

(i) The respondent did not successfully complete the CARE plan.

(ii) The respondent would benefit from continuation of the CARE plan.

(C) The court shall issue an order permitting the respondent to continue in the CARE plan or denying respondent’s request to remain in the CARE plan, and state its reasons in open court.

(b) The respondent may be involuntarily reappointed to the program only if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that all of the following conditions apply:

(1) The respondent did not successfully complete the CARE process.

(2) All services and supports required through the CARE process were provided to the respondent.

(3) The respondent would benefit from continuation in the CARE process.

(4) The respondent currently meets the requirements in Section 5972.

(c) A respondent may only be reappointed to the CARE process once, for up to one additional year.

5977.4.

 (a) In all CARE Act proceedings, the judicial officer shall control the proceedings during the hearings with a view to the expeditious and effective ascertainment of the jurisdictional facts and the ascertainment of all information relative to the present condition and future welfare of the respondent. Except when there is a contested issue of fact or law, the proceedings shall be conducted in an informal nonadversarial atmosphere with a view to obtaining the maximum cooperation of the respondent, all persons interested in the respondent’s welfare, and all other parties, with any provisions that the court may make for the disposition and care of the respondent. All evaluations and reports, documents, and filings submitted to the court pursuant to CARE Act proceedings shall be confidential.

(b) The hearings described in this chapter shall occur in person unless the court, in its discretion, allows a party or witness to appear remotely through the use of remote technology. The respondent shall have the right to be in person for all hearings.

(c) Consistent with its constitutional rulemaking authority, the Judicial Council shall adopt rules to implement the policies and provisions in this section and in Sections 5977, 5977.1, 5977.2, and 5977.3 to promote statewide consistency, including, but not limited to, what is included in the petition form packet, communications between the CARE Act court and the juvenile court, if applicable, and the process by which counsel will be appointed.

(d) (1) Consistent with paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of Section 56.10 of the Civil Code, the county behavioral health agency shall include in any report evaluation, or other document filed with the court, the information, including protected health information, necessary to support the determinations, conclusions, and recommendations in the filing. The county behavioral health agency shall not, unless ordered to do so by the court, submit to the court original or photocopied records underlying the information in a report evaluation or other document required or ordered under this subdivision. The county behavioral health agency shall serve an unredacted copy of any report evaluation, or other document filed with the court on the respondent and the respondent’s counsel and, with the consent of the respondent, on the supporter in a manner authorized by law. Neither a county nor an employee or agent thereof shall be held civilly or criminally liable for any disclosure authorized or required by this paragraph.

(2) (A) Consistent with paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 56.10 of the Civil Code, a provider of health care, as defined in Section 56.05 of the Civil Code, or a covered entity, as defined in Section 160.103 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, may disclose to the county behavioral health agency any information, including protected health information, and mental health records excluding psychotherapy notes, in its possession about the respondent that is relevant to the county behavioral health agency’s provision, coordination, or management of services and supports under this part, including, but not limited to, the preparation of any required investigations, evaluations, or reports. Such a disclosure is a disclosure for treatment purposes, which may be made only to the extent permitted under Section 164.506 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The information disclosed may include substance use disorder patient records only to the extent permitted by Part 2 (commencing with Section 2.1) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(B) Consistent with paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of Section 56.10 of the Civil Code, a provider of health care, as defined in Section 56.05 of the Civil Code, or a covered entity, as defined in Section 160.103 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, that filed a CARE Act petition or executed an affidavit included with a CARE Act petition pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 5975 shall provide to the county behavioral health agency any information, including protected health information, and mental health records excluding psychotherapy notes, in its possession about the respondent that may be relevant in connection with an investigation, evaluation, or other report or hearing under this part, or with the provision of services and supports under this part. The provision of information under this paragraph is a disclosure required by law, which may be made only to the extent permitted under subdivision (a) of Section 164.512 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The information disclosed shall include substance use disorder patient records only to the extent permitted by Part 2 (commencing with Section 2.1) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(C) The county behavioral health agency may apply to the court ex parte for an order requiring any provider of health care, as defined in Section 56.05 of the Civil Code, or any covered entity, as defined in Section 160.103 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, to provide to the county behavioral health agency, to the court, or both, any information, including, but not limited to, protected health information, and mental health records excluding psychotherapy notes, in its possession about the respondent that may be relevant in connection with an investigation, evaluation, or other report or hearing under this part, or with the provision of services and supports under this part. The provision of information under this paragraph is a disclosure required by law, which may be made only to the extent permitted under Section 164.512 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The information ordered to be disclosed may include substance use disorder patient records only to the extent permitted by Part 2 (commencing with Section 2.1) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(D) A provider of health care or covered entity shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for any disclosure authorized or required by this section.

(E) The county behavioral health agency shall notify the respondent of a disclosure under this paragraph as follows:

(i) By mail at the respondent’s last known address, if any.

(ii) To the respondent’s counsel.

(iii) By including a copy of the notification under clause (i) or (ii) with the next notice of hearing served upon the respondent, if any.

(F) All information, including the facts and records, or summary thereof, shared under this subdivision shall further be disclosed to the respondent and the respondent’s counsel, and with the consent of the respondent, to the supporter.

(3) (A) Except as expressly provided, further disclosure or redisclosure of information is not authorized by this subdivision.

(B) Information disclosed to a county behavioral health agency by a provider of health care, as defined in Section 56.05 of the Civil Code, or a covered entity, as defined in Section 160.103 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations is confidential and not subject to disclosure or inspection under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code).

(C) Disclosure of information under this part shall not be deemed to in any way alter the duties or responsibilities of a county behavioral health agency, of a provider of health care, as defined in Section 56.05 of the Civil Code, or of a covered entity, as defined in Section 160.103 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, with respect to the disclosed information under the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Part 2.6 (commencing with Section 56) of Division 1 of the Civil Code), or the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191).

5978.

 (a) A court may refer an individual from assisted outpatient treatment, as well as from conservatorship proceedings pursuant Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5350) of Part 1 of Division 5 (LPS conservatorship) to CARE Act proceedings. If the individual is referred from assisted outpatient treatment, the county behavioral health director or their designee shall be the petitioner. If the individual is referred from LPS conservatorship proceedings, the conservator or proposed conservator shall be the petitioner pursuant to Section 5974.

(b) A court may refer an individual from misdemeanor proceedings pursuant to Section 1370.01 of the Penal Code to CARE Act proceedings. The county behavioral health director or their designee shall be the petitioner.

5981.5.

 (a) The Legal Services Trust Fund Commission at the State Bar shall provide funding to qualified legal services projects, as defined in Sections 6213 to 6214.5, inclusive, of the Business and Professions Code, to be used to provide legal counsel appointed pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 5976, for representation in CARE Act proceedings, matters related to CARE agreements and CARE plans, and to qualified support centers, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 6213 of, and Section 6215 of, the Business and Professions Code, for training, support, and coordination.

(b) For purposes of implementing this part, the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission may enter into exclusive or nonexclusive contracts, or amend existing contracts, on a bid or negotiated basis, or award grants, provided that they make a finding that both of the following are satisfied:

(1) The Legal Services Trust Fund Commission shall retain control over the distribution of funds to the contractor or grantee.

(2) The contract or grant includes provisions to ensure transparency, accountability, and oversight in delivering the services, including measurement of outcomes established pursuant to Sections 5984, 5985, and 5986.

5982.

 (a) The CARE plan may include only the following:

(1) Behavioral health services funded through the 1991 and 2011 Realignment, Medi-Cal behavioral health, health care plans and insurers, and services supported by the Mental Health Services Act pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 5800).

(2) Medically necessary stabilization medications, to the extent not described in paragraph (1).

(3) Housing resources funded through the No Place Like Home Program (Part 3.9 (commencing with Section 5849.1) of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); California Housing Accelerator (Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 50672) of Part 2 of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code); the Multifamily Housing Program (Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 50675) of Part 2 of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code); the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 50216) of Part 1 of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code); the Encampment Resolution Funding Program (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 50250) of Part 1 of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code); the Project Roomkey and Rehousing Program pursuant to Provision 22 of Item 5180-151-0001 of the Budget Act of 2021 (Ch. 21, Stats. 2021); the Community Care Expansion Program (Chapter 20 (commencing with Section 18999.97) of Part 6 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); the CalWORKs Housing Support Program (Article 3.3 (commencing with Section 11330) of Chapter 2 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance pursuant to clause (i) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Section 11450 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 18999) of Part 6 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); the Home Safe Program (Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 15770) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); the Bringing Families Home Program (Article 6 (commencing with Section 16523) of Chapter 5 of Part 4 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); the Transitional Housing Placement program for nonminor dependents (Article 4 (commencing with Section 16522) of Chapter 5 of Part 4 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); the Transitional Housing Program-Plus pursuant to subdivision (s) of Section 11400 and paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 11403.2 of Article 5 of Chapter 2 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and Article 4 (commencing with Section 16522) of Chapter 5 of Part 4 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 5960) of Part 7 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code); the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program; HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (Section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. Section 1437f(o)(19)]); Supportive Services for Veteran Families (Section 604 of the Veterans’ Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 [38 U.S.C. Sec. 2044]); HUD Continuum of Care program (Section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. Sec. 11302]); the Emergency Solutions Grant (Subtitle B of Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. Secs. 11371-11378]); HUD Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. Sec. 1437f]); the Emergency Housing Vouchers (Section 3202 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 [Public Law 117-2]; Section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. Sec. 1437f(o)]); HOME Investment Partnerships Program (Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act [42 U.S.C. Sec. 12721 et seq.]); the Community Development Block Grant Program (Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 [42 U.S.C. Sec. 5301 et seq.]); housing supported by the Mental Health Services Act pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 5800); community development block grants; and other state and federal housing resources.

(4) Social services funded through Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP), Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), CalWORKs, California Food Assistance Program, In-Home Supportive Services program, and CalFresh.

(5) Services provided pursuant to Part 5 (commencing with Section 17000) of Division 9.

(b) Individuals who are CARE process participants shall be prioritized for any appropriate bridge housing funded by the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing program.

(c) If the county behavioral health agency elects not to enroll the respondent into a full service partnership, as defined in Section 3620 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, the court may request information on the reasons for this and any barriers to enrollment.

(d) All CARE plan services and supports ordered by the court are subject to available funding and all applicable federal and state statutes and regulations, contractual provisions, and policy guidance governing initial and ongoing program eligibility. In addition to the resources funded through programs listed in subdivision (a), the State Department of Health Care Services may identify other adjacent covered Medi-Cal services, including, but not limited to, enhanced care management and available community supports, which may be suggested, although not ordered, by the court, subject to all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, contractual provisions, and policy guidance.

(e) This section does not prevent a county or other local governmental entity from recommending their own services that are their own responsibility not listed in subdivision (a) or (c). Any such recommendation is not required by this section and shall be made at the request of the county for the purposes of Section 6 of Article XIII B, and Sections 6 and 36 of Article XIII of the California Constitution.

(f) (1) For respondents who are Medi-Cal beneficiaries, the county in which the respondent resides is the county of responsibility as defined in Section 1810.228 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.

(2) If a proceeding commences in a county where the respondent is found or is facing criminal or civil proceedings that is different than the county in which the respondent resides, the county in which the respondent is found or is facing criminal or civil proceedings shall not delay proceedings under this part and is the responsible county behavioral health agency for providing or coordinating all components of the CARE agreement or CARE plan.

(3) The county in which the respondent resides, as defined in paragraph (1), shall be responsible for the costs of providing all CARE agreement or CARE plan behavioral health services, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a).

(4) In the event of a dispute over responsibility for any costs of providing components of the CARE agreement or CARE plan, the impacted counties shall resolve the dispute in accordance with the arbitration process established in Section 1850.405 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations for county mental health plans, including for respondents who are not Medi-Cal beneficiaries, and pursuant to any related guidance issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 5984.

5983.

 (a) The California Health and Human Services Agency, or a designated department within the agency, shall do both of the following:

(1) Engage an independent, research-based entity, as described in Section 5986, to advise on the development of data-driven process and outcome measures to guide the planning, collaboration, reporting, and evaluation of the CARE Act pursuant to this part.

(2) Convene a working group to provide coordination and on-going engagement with, and support collaboration among, relevant state and local partners and other stakeholders throughout the phases of county implementation to support the successful implementation of the CARE Act. The working group shall meet no more than quarterly. The working group shall meet during the implementation and shall end no later than December 31, 2026.

(b) The department shall provide training and technical assistance to county behavioral health agencies to support the implementation of this part, including training regarding the CARE process, CARE agreement and plan services and supports, supported decisionmaking, the supporter role, trauma-informed care, elimination of bias, psychiatric advance directives, family psychoeducation, and data collection.

(c) The Judicial Council, in consultation with the department, other relevant state entities, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, shall provide training and technical assistance to judicial officers to support the implementation of this part, including training regarding the CARE process, CARE agreement and plan services and supports, working with the supporter, supported decisionmaking, the supporter role, the family role, trauma-informed care, elimination of bias, best practices, and evidence-based models of care for people with severe behavioral health conditions.

(d) The department, in consultation with other relevant state departments and the California Interagency Council on Homelessness, shall provide training to counsel regarding the CARE process and CARE agreement and plan services and supports.

5986.

 (a) An independent, research-based entity shall be retained by the department to develop, in consultation with county behavioral health agencies, county CARE courts, racial justice experts, and other appropriate stakeholders, including providers and CARE court participants, an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the CARE Act. The independent evaluation shall employ statistical research methodology and include a logic model, hypotheses, comparative or quasi-experimental analyses, and conclusions regarding the extent to which the CARE Act model is associated, correlated, and causally related with the performance of the outcome measures included in the annual reports. The independent evaluation shall include results from a survey conducted of program participants. The independent evaluation shall highlight racial, ethnic, and other demographic disparities, and include causal inference or descriptive analyses regarding the impact of the CARE Act on disparity reduction efforts.

(b) The department shall provide a preliminary report to the Legislature by December 31, 2026, and a final report to the Legislature by December 31, 2028. The department shall post the preliminary and final reports on its internet website.

(c) Each county behavioral health department, each county CARE court, and any other state or local governmental entity, as determined by the department, shall provide the required data to the department, in a format and frequency as directed by the department.

(d) A report to be submitted pursuant to this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.