H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 9G.2 of S.L. 2023-134 requires that funds appropriated in the 2023 Appropriations Act to the Division of Mental Health, Development Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) must continue to be used for the purchase of local inpatient psychiatric beds or bed days. DHHS will work to ensure local inpatient beds or bed days purchased in accordance with this section are utilized solely for medically indigent individuals, with one exception. DHHS will also work to ensure local inpatient psychiatric beds or bed days are distributed across the State in accordance with need and acuity levels.

If DHHS determines that a local management entity/managed care organization (LME/MCO) is not effectively managing the beds or bed days or fails to comply with the prompt payment provision of this section, DHHS can contract with another LME/MCO to manage the bed or bed days or can pay the hospital directly. LME/MCOs are required to report to DHHS on the utilization of beds or bed days.

This section requires DHHS to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and the Fiscal Research Division on (i) a uniform system for beds or bed days purchased during the preceding fiscal year, (ii) explanation of the process to ensure local inpatient psychiatric beds or bed days are utilized solely for medically indigent individuals and the number of those served, (iii) amount of funds used to pay for facility-based crisis services, the number and outcomes of those served, (iv) amount of funds used for detoxification services and the number and outcomes of those served, and (v) other DHHS initiatives to reduce State psychiatric hospital use.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.