Bill > H248

This bill addresses the placement and treatment of children deemed to be at risk, focusing on ensuring timely and appropriate residential treatment and educational services. The bill requires public school departments to include 24/7 residential treatment or out-of-school district placement in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) within 10 days of a professional mental health facility determining the child's eligibility. Parents or guardians will have final authority in selecting the placement. The bill mandates that various state departments (school, developmental services, children and families, and mental health) coordinate funding to secure residential or out-of-school district placement within 30 days for children with intellectual disabilities, ensuring that funding considerations do not delay necessary medical treatment or educational rights. Additionally, the bill establishes a special six-member commission to examine the creation of an emergency fund for timely placement and payment of disabled children in residential care. This commission, which includes representatives from health and human services, legislative committees, and Mass Health, will investigate potential cost savings, improvements to the reimbursement system, and develop policy recommendations to more effectively support developmentally disabled children through the placement and payment processes.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H248