Bill > H213

This bill aims to improve behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies by implementing several key provisions. The bill requires the Department of Mental Health to take responsibility for specialized mental health services for individuals, and mandates that the Department of Children and Families develop a model emergency response plan for congregate care settings that focuses on behavioral health crisis response while minimizing law enforcement involvement. The plan must include staff training in de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and mental health competencies. The bill also establishes new guidelines for congregate care programs regarding child readmission after medical or behavioral health interventions, requiring programs to readmit children who are medically stable and appropriate for the setting, with limited exceptions. Additionally, the bill requires the Departments of Children and Families and Developmental Services to create comprehensive plans to expand access to post-hospitalization services, reduce wait times for care, and improve care coordination. Lastly, the bill establishes a special commission to study and make recommendations about children and adolescents with intensive behavioral health needs, including examining current service availability, barriers to care, and best practices for treatment. The commission is composed of 25 members from various state agencies, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups, and is required to submit its findings by January 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H213