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HB 677

Health; certain placement procedures for children upon discharge from a hospital or psychiatric residential treatment facility; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Katie Dempsey and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 677 ensures timely placement of children discharged from psychiatric care, requiring collaboration among agencies and financial support for hospitals.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · HB 677

Summary of House Bill 677 (HB 677)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 677 aims to establish specific procedures for the placement of children upon their discharge from hospitals or psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Georgia. The bill addresses situations where a parent, guardian, or legal custodian fails to take custody of a child within 48 hours of a physician's discharge order. The intent is to ensure that children receive appropriate care and placement in a timely manner, thereby enhancing their safety and well-being.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Terms:

    • Acute Psychiatric Care: A highly structured level of care for patients at risk of harming themselves or others.
    • Health Benefit Policy: Any healthcare plan or contract issued in Georgia, excluding state employee contracts.

  2. Placement Procedures:

    • Hospitals and psychiatric residential treatment facilities must follow specific procedures if a child’s custodian does not take custody within 48 hours post-discharge.
    • A task force will be assembled, including:
      • A care coordinator
      • The child’s treating psychiatrist or the facility's medical director
      • Representatives from relevant state departments (e.g., Department of Human Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities)
      • The child’s health benefit policy provider and Medicaid care management organization, if applicable.
    • The task force will meet promptly to determine an appropriate placement for the child.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • Task forces must submit monthly reports to the Multi-Agency Treatment for Children (MATCH) Committee, detailing the number of children and their length of stay in facilities.
    • The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities will compile an annual report for the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.

  4. Financial Implications:

    • Managed care organizations are required to provide per diem payments to hospitals or facilities for each day a child remains in care after discharge if the custodian has not taken custody.
    • Payment rates are set at $650 for psychiatric residential treatment and $780 for acute psychiatric care.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The bill will become effective only if funds are appropriated specifically for its implementation.

Impact

  • Children: The bill directly impacts children receiving psychiatric care by ensuring they are placed in safe and appropriate environments without unnecessary delays.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and psychiatric facilities will have clear guidelines and financial support for managing discharges and placements.
  • State Agencies: The bill mandates collaboration among various state departments, enhancing inter-agency communication and coordination in child welfare.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • House Actions:
    • Passed/Adopted by Substitute: March 6, 2025
    • Favorably Reported by Committee: March 3, 2025
  • Senate Actions:
    • Read and Referred: March 10, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 677 represents a significant step toward improving the discharge process for children in psychiatric care, ensuring timely and appropriate placements while providing necessary oversight and financial support to healthcare providers.

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

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