North Carolina Launches Statewide Automated Mental Health Bed Registry

Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has implemented significant upgrades to the Behavioral Health Statewide Central Availability Navigator (BH SCAN), an online registry designed to connect individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with available care more quickly. The updates, which include hourly automated bed availability updates and integration with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, aim to reduce wait times and improve access to crucial mental health services across the state.

Addressing a Critical Need

Previously, finding an available mental health bed required a time-consuming process of manual checks by hospital staff. This often led to delays and difficulties in placing patients in need of immediate care. According to Dave Jenkins, Vice President of Behavioral Services with Cone Health, locating an open hospital bed during a mental health crisis can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking “hours to many days.” Mobile crisis teams likewise faced challenges in identifying available beds for individuals they were assisting.

How BH SCAN Works

Launched in 2023, BH SCAN replaced a decades-old system reliant on faxing and phone calls to determine bed availability. BH SCAN provides a centralized platform for providers and hospitals to search for available mental health care beds statewide.

Automated Updates and 988 Integration

The key enhancement rolled out this month is the Automated Bed Availability (ABA) function, which updates bed availability data hourly. This real-time information allows providers to quickly and accurately identify placement options for their patients. North Carolina is the first state in the nation to implement this hourly ABA function. NCDHHS announced the updates on March 12, 2026.

BH SCAN is now integrated with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. When mobile crisis teams are dispatched to assist someone in crisis, they can now utilize BH SCAN to identify available mental health beds in the area.

Benefits of the New System

N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized the benefits of the improved system, stating, “Making BH SCAN available to 988 counselors and improving its accuracy with automated updates will make it easier for people in North Carolina to receive the care they need and deserve in a more coordinated effort.”

The automated system not only speeds up the process of finding beds but also supports better care transitions. Jenkins explained that the system helps determine “what the next step is, what the next level of care or transition is for that individual, so that they don’t fall back into crisis.”

The ABA function will also be available for alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers.

Implementation Timeline

The NCDHHS piloted the automated bed availability function at three facilities in 2024 and is now rolling it out statewide. The goal is to have most providers incorporated into the system by 2027. Spectrum News reported on the rollout on March 14, 2026.

Key Takeaways

• North Carolina has launched a statewide automated mental health bed registry (BH SCAN).
• The system provides hourly updates on bed availability, replacing a manual process.
• BH SCAN is integrated with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• The goal is to reduce wait times and improve access to mental health care.
• Full implementation is expected by 2027.