Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-384-R1

Redraft EHS 384

Geriatric Psychiatric Patients Task Force

Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 53 the following section:-

"SECTION 53A. (a) There shall be a task force to study geriatric psychiatric patients who are ready to be discharged from acute care in a geriatric psychiatric unit to a nursing home but for whom placement beds are not available for extended periods and to issue recommendations to support the geriatric psychiatric care pipeline.

(b) The task force shall consist of: the secretary of elder affairs or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair; the commissioner of mental health or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair; the commissioner of public health or a designee; the assistant secretary for MassHealth or a designee; and 5 members appointed by the co-chairs, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of LeadingAge Massachusetts, Inc. and 1 of whom shall be a representative of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, Inc..

(c) Not later than January 31, 2024, the task force shall submit its report, including any proposed legislation necessary to carry out its recommendations, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on elder affairs and the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery.".