Amendment #2 to H4253

Determination of Need Exemption for Acute Care Hospitals Opening Mental Health Units

Mr. Coppinger of Boston moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

SECTION XX. Subsection (a) of said section 25C½ of said chapter 111 is hereby amended by adding the following clause:-

(5) A health care facility if the health care facility plans to make a capital expenditure solely for the development of acute psychiatric services, including inpatient, a crisis stabilization unit, community-based acute treatment, intensive community-based acute treatment, a continuing care unit or a partial hospitalization program; provided, however, that a health care facility applying for an original license demonstrates the need for an original license from the department of mental health pursuant to section 19 of chapter 19; provided further, that the department of mental health shall prioritize original licenses for expenditures that provide services for certain high-need patient populations including, but not limited to, children, individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities, individuals who present with a high-level of acuity including severe behavior and assault risk, individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder, individuals with co-occurring medical conditions, individuals with eating disorders and geriatric patients; and provided further, that the department of mental health shall prioritize original licenses for services that would be located in underserved areas of the commonwealth.