CO SB102

Adds protections for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in out-of-home placements, including an appeals process for those removed from programs before meeting discharge criteria without parental or guardian consent.

Establishes an interdisciplinary appeals review panel with representatives from county departments, residential treatment programs, service agencies, and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to hear appeals of program removals.

Requires the state department to submit annual reports by February 1 beginning in 2023 to legislative committees detailing applications, admissions, wait lists, removals, appeals, bed occupancy, and average length of stay for the program.

Allows any party unsatisfied with the appeals review panel recommendation to request an independent hearing before a state hearing officer.

Takes effect 90 days after legislative adjournment, subject to referendum petition provisions requiring voter approval at the November 2022 general election.