CA AB2317

Establishes psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) as a new licensed facility type operated by public agencies or private nonprofits to provide inpatient psychiatric services to individuals under 21 years of age as an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization.

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to license PRTFs, set statewide bed limits, conduct inspections, and establish regulations including trauma-informed care standards, individual treatment plans developed within 72 hours of admission, and discharge planning focused on transitioning patients to less restrictive settings.

Mandates juvenile court authorization before voluntary admission of dependent children, wards, or nonminor dependents to PRTFs, with initial hearings within one judicial day and review hearings every 30-60 days to assess medical necessity and continued appropriateness of placement.

Requires county child welfare agencies and probation departments to maintain regular communication with treatment teams, develop discharge and aftercare plans, and ensure continuity of care upon transition to less restrictive settings.

Imposes licensing fees deposited into the Mental Health Facility Licensing Fund and requires annual data reporting to the Legislature on admissions, demographics, length of stay, restraint use, and discharge placements, with emphasis on patients under juvenile court jurisdiction.