MS HB1479

Redesigns Mississippi's Statewide System of Care to reduce reliance on state-run and private institutions and expand intensive home- and community-based services for children with serious emotional/behavioral disorders.

Requires the Department of Mental Health to deny institutional placement without a completed pre-screening evaluation and mandates community mental health centers conduct EPSDT screenings to ensure eligible children receive medically necessary services.

Establishes an Intensive Home-Based Services Team to reduce commitments to Oak Circle Center, Bradley A. Sanders Adolescent Complex, and Specialized Treatment Facility for the Emotionally Disturbed by 30% by July 1, 2015.

Requires the Interagency System of Care Council to develop a pre-screening tool to identify youth divertible from institutional placement and to implement policies ensuring youth in state custody receive service plans within 90 days of commitment.

Prohibits the Department of Human Services from placing children in psychiatric residential treatment facilities when less-restrictive environments are available and from using secure detention facilities to hold children awaiting placement.