MD HB962

Defines "pediatric hospital overstay patient" as a patient under age 22 who remains in a hospital inpatient unit or emergency department for more than 48 hours after being medically cleared for discharge or transfer

Requires the Maryland Department of Health and Department of Human Services to each establish a Pediatric Hospital Overstay Coordinator responsible for advocating for patients, reviewing agency policies, maintaining patient data, and coordinating between hospitals and state agencies

Expands the Maryland Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Registry and Referral System to explicitly include both private and state inpatient and outpatient services, with hospitals required to seek transfers when appropriate beds become available

Establishes a Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Hospital Overstays with 15 members from state agencies and advocacy organizations, required to report findings by October 1, 2025, on ending the use of unlicensed placements

Authorizes the Governor to include FY2026 budget appropriations to staff five additional beds at the John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents