MD SB870

Maryland Department of Health must establish and maintain at least 24 licensed adolescent psychiatric inpatient beds (for ages 12-16) in Prince George's County by December 31, 2028

The Department may achieve this requirement by expanding existing facility capacity, contracting with private/nonprofit operators, or establishing public-private partnerships

If expanding existing capacity won't meet the deadline, the Department must issue a request for proposals by June 30, 2027 to experienced private or nonprofit operators

A competitive grant program will fund eligible capital costs including renovation, construction, safety upgrades, and workforce start-up expenses for hospitals, psychiatric facilities, nonprofit providers, or public-private partnerships

Annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly required from October 1, 2027 through 2030, covering bed capacity by county, emergency department boarding metrics, staffing barriers, and recommendations for rate or regulatory changes