Georgia House Bill HB677

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Report Pass: 3/3/25
• Engrossed: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/10/25

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB 677 will amend Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. This change will require hospitals and facilities to adhere to new discharge protocols, aiming to ensure that children do not remain in limbo after receiving psychiatric care. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely and appropriate placement for children who have undergone acute psychiatric care, thereby potentially improving their overall well-being.

Summary

House Bill 677 is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing specific protocols for the placement of children after they are discharged from hospitals or psychiatric residential treatment facilities. The bill mandates that if a child's legal custodian fails to take custody of the child within 48 hours of the discharge order by a physician, a task force must be convened to find an appropriate placement. This task force includes the treating psychiatrist, a care coordinator, and representatives from relevant state services, ensuring that the child's needs are prioritized in the placement process.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 677 appears to be generally supportive, focusing on child welfare and the need for structured care post-discharge. Lawmakers advocating for this bill highlight the necessity of addressing the gaps in the current system, where children might otherwise experience uncertainty regarding their custody after treatment. However, there may be concerns about the logistical implications and resource allocation for the proposed task forces, which could attract scrutiny.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 677 may involve the resources required to implement the task force mechanism effectively. Critics might argue that the additional administrative burden placed on hospitals and stakeholders could complicate the discharge process rather than streamline it. Furthermore, questions about accountability and the adequacy of existing placements could arise, particularly regarding the effectiveness of state involvement in such sensitive matters.