MT SB524

Category D assisted living facilities may operate as independent facilities or colocated with other licensed facilities, with a maximum of 15 residents per facility.

Category D facilities are not required to use seclusion, chemical restraints, or physical restraints, but must receive prior approval of seclusion and restraint policies before utilizing such interventions.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services must provide specialized technical assistance to Category D facilities and develop a reimbursement model with enhanced payments for higher acuity needs by April 1, 2026.

Courts may divert individuals from involuntary commitment to Montana State Hospital to Category D assisted living facilities through either voluntary dismissal of proceedings or involuntary commitment orders for up to 6 months.

Individuals subject to criminal commitment provisions (46-14-301) are ineligible for placement in Category D assisted living facilities.