KY HB691

Requires children charged with public offenses or court-ordered for inpatient psychiatric treatment to undergo behavioral assessment before hospital admission to determine if they qualify as "high acuity youth" (those needing treatment for manifest aggression, violence toward persons, or property destruction)

Establishes a coordinated process requiring clinical professionals, the Department for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Juvenile Justice to confer on treatment plans within 24 hours, with disputes resolved through court review

Prohibits courts from ordering high acuity youth into psychiatric hospitals without agreement from the hospital and both departments, unless clear and convincing evidence shows the hospital can safely treat the youth

Mandates Medicaid reimbursement at 200% of standard rates for inpatient psychiatric services and 150% for outpatient services provided at detention facilities for high acuity youth

Allows hospitals to immediately discharge high acuity youth who commit violence against patients, staff, or visitors, with the youth returned to their last place of custody or residence