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HB 1872

An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Pennsylvania State Police, providing for cooperation with Federal immigration authorities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 8 co-sponsors

Requires a licensed mental health provider for youth in DCFS care, with timely screening, assigned care, and Medicaid plan access within set start and distance standards.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1872

Summary — HB 1872

Note on records: The materials provided contain mixed and partly conflicting text tied to different jurisdictions and earlier bill titles (including an Arkansas sheriff-fees draft and a separate wine-tax title). The clearest, consistent substantive text in these materials is an Illinois amendment to the Children and Family Services Act creating an “assigned mental health provider” requirement for youth in the custody/guardianship of the Department. The procedural history supplied is also contradictory (entries show both “Died in Committee” and actions consistent with passage/enactment). This summary focuses on the Illinois-focused content included in the packet.

Purpose

To require assignment of a licensed mental health provider for every youth in care (under the Department of Children and Family Services) and to establish timely mental health and wellness screening, assessment, and coordination requirements — including access standards for youth covered by Medicaid managed care.

Key provisions

  • New Section 5.28 added to the Children and Family Services Act establishing “Assigned mental health providers for youth in care.”
  • Definitions: “Mental health and wellness screening” is an age-appropriate screening (in-person or via telehealth) that aligns with the AAP Bright Futures guidance and is intended to identify mental health issues, discuss symptoms (including those related to adverse childhood experiences), and address mental health/wellness.
  • Screening schedule:
    • As amended, screening must occur no later than 45 days after removal and placement in temporary custody/guardianship and every year thereafter (original engrossed language drafts include a 30-day requirement).
    • Exceptions: youth under 6 months; youth age 12+ who do not consent to mental health services; other narrow exceptions (text varies slightly between amendment drafts).
  • Assignment and coordination:
    • If screening recommends mental health care, the youth is to be assigned a licensed clinician to assist the caseworker in coordinating recommended assessments and services.
    • Services recommended by the mental health provider must be provided unless the youth (12+) refuses.
  • Medicaid managed care access standards:
    • For youth on the State Medicaid managed care program, the managed care plan must ensure an accessible mental health provider begins serving the youth within 30 days of referral.
    • Geographic/time proximity expectations: provider within 30 miles/30 minutes (or 60 miles/60 minutes in rural counties), except where a managed care contract imposes more restrictive limits.
    • If no in‑network provider meets requirements, the plan must cover out-of-network care when necessary.
    • Managed care contracts effective/amended/renewed on or after January 1, 2026 must require plans to meet these obligations.
  • Services provided under this Section are in addition to care from the youth’s primary care provider.
  • The Department may adopt rules to implement the Section and promote a holistic/proactive approach.

Who is affected

  • Primary: youth in care under the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
  • Secondary: DCFS caseworkers, assigned mental health clinicians/providers, Medicaid managed care organizations and their networks, Department of Healthcare and Family Services (oversight of managed care contracts), and families/guardians involved in care decisions.

Timeline & procedural notes

  • Amendment drafts differ (some require a 30-day follow-up visit; later drafts show 45 days). Managed care contract obligations specified to apply to contracts in effect or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
  • Provided legislative actions are inconsistent: some entries indicate passage, enrollment, and an “Act 693” notice (April 2025), while other entries state the bill “Died In Committee.” Confirm current legal status with the official state legislative database or the Secretary of State’s office before relying on the bill as enacted.

Implementation considerations

  • Building network capacity to meet the 30-day start window and distance/time standards may require contracting changes, provider recruitment, and funding adjustments.
  • The out-of-network coverage requirement could increase managed care costs or require rate negotiations.
  • Rulemaking by the Department will be important to clarify screening tools, consent rules for older youth, how “rural” is defined, and operational coordination with managed-care contracts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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