CA AB226

Creates a new licensing category called "children's crisis psychiatric residential treatment facilities" operated by public agencies or private nonprofits to provide psychiatric inpatient services to individuals under 21 years of age as an alternative to hospitalization.

Transfers licensing authority for these facilities from the State Department of Social Services to the State Department of Health Care Services, contingent on Budget Act appropriation, with licensing to commence by January 1, 2022.

Requires facilities to obtain certification from the department and comply with federal Medicaid regulations for psychiatric residential treatment facilities to maximize federal financial participation.

Establishes that initial admissions are limited to 10 consecutive days, with extensions requiring health care professional determination and county mental health plan authorization for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Includes inpatient psychiatric services provided in licensed children's crisis psychiatric residential treatment facilities as a covered mental health service under the Medi-Cal program.