MS HB1143

Amends Section 37-23-69 to allow exceptional children placed in private intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or psychiatric residential treatment facilities with Medicaid reimbursement to receive state financial assistance for the full term of placement, including extended school year if needed.

Requires facilities to be licensed by the State Department of Health, located in Mississippi, and operated by a service provider that runs an accredited nonpublic school providing 24-hour monitoring, treatment, and education.

Establishes that eligible children receive state financial assistance at a per diem rate set by the State Department of Education, consistent with assistance provided to children who are wards of the state.

Amends Section 37-23-63 to clarify that exceptional children attending nonpublic schools approved or licensed by the State Department of Education are eligible to receive state financial assistance.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.