MA H213

Department of Mental Health must assume responsibility for specialized mental health services for individuals served by the Department of Developmental Services, including inpatient services, mobile crisis intervention, intensive residential treatment, and youth crisis stabilization

Department of Children and Families must develop a model emergency response plan for congregate care settings that includes behavioral health crisis protocols and limits law enforcement referrals to cases involving imminent risk of death or serious harm

Congregate care programs cannot refuse to readmit a child after hospitalization or psychiatric emergency if the child is determined medically and psychiatrically stable; DCF must reimburse programs at the prevailing rate to hold beds during a child's absence

DCF must convene an emergency placement team within 2 business days when a child is denied readmission, with referral to a complex case resolution panel if no placement is found within 7 days

A 25-member special commission will study children with intensive behavioral health needs whose needs are not met by existing treatment models, with findings due by January 1, 2026