DE HB7

Requires health insurance carriers to pay an enhanced per diem rate of at least 30% above ordinary rates for psychiatric facilities admitting patients age 18 or younger who meet specified criteria, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, chronic medical conditions requiring ongoing care, or homelessness.

Increases the enhanced per diem rate by an additional 5% for each inpatient day falling on a Saturday or Sunday.

Limits enhanced per diem rate eligibility to a maximum of 14 days per inpatient stay.

Establishes a Quality Oversight Committee to develop quality metrics for pediatric psychiatric facilities, collect data on patient rejections and readmissions, and provide biennial recommendations to the Joint Finance Committee regarding eligibility categories and enhancement rates.

Takes effect January 1 following enactment for rate provisions; Quality Oversight Committee provisions take effect 1 year later.