Budget Amendment ID: FY2014-S3-723-R1

Redraft EHS 723

Protecting Child and Adolescent Mental Health Beds

Messrs. Keenan and Joyce moved that the proposed new text be amended be amended by inserting after Section ____, the following new Section:-

"Section ____. The Center for Health Information and Analysis shall conduct an assessment of existing public and private acute care behavioral health services for children and adolescents. Said assessment shall include the need for acute inpatient beds/care for children and adolescents including seasonal fluctuations; the types and number of acute care placements available; the number of children who are turned away, or are waiting for inpatient beds including those stuck in inappropriate placements( including emergency departments, medical and surgical beds and home); the rates paid for said services by public and private payors; the adequacy of these rates to enable providers to support the unique needs of children and adolescents.

In formulating said assessment The Center shall consult with the Department of Mental Health, Mass Health, the Department of Public Health, the Division of Insurance, service providers, families of children with mental health conditions and other stakeholders.

The report on the assessment shall contain recommendations for establishing and maintaining an adequate number of placements, strategies for addressing seasonal fluctuations and whether any inadequacy in these rates is indicative of a violation of mental health parity laws.

A report of the assessment shall be filed with the clerk of the House of Representatives and the clerk of the Senate Not later than October 31, 2013.