Bill > H183

This bill aims to ensure the appropriate and timely placement of children deemed to be a safety risk in 24/7 residential treatment or out-of-school district placements. The key provisions are: 1. The public school department must include the 24/7 residential treatment or out-of-school district placement in the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) within 10 days of the determination by a professional mental health care facility that the child is eligible for such treatment. Parents or guardians have the final authority in selecting the placement. 2. The school department, Department of Developmental Services, Department of Children and Families, and Department of Mental Health must coordinate funding to ensure the residential or out-of-school district placement within 30 days of the determination of eligibility, without any delays due to payment or funding issues. 3. The bill establishes a special commission to examine and report on the feasibility of creating an emergency fund for timely placement and payment of disabled children in residential care or out-of-school district placements, with the goal of reducing delays and improving the current healthcare system's payment and placement processes.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H183