HB 2525 Summary

• Extends the emergency department homelessness assessment pilot program and medical respite pilot program from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2021.

• Requires the department of human services to submit reports to the legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of regular sessions in 2020 and 2021 regarding program efficacy and recommendations.

• Appropriates general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 to the department of human services for both pilot programs, with participating hospitals required to match state funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

• The pilot programs have demonstrated positive results including a 39% reduction in unnecessary emergency department visits, 17% reduction in hospitalized days, and 53% reduction in ambulance utilization among homeless patients served.