An Act To Amend Title 31 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Pediatric Inpatient Behavioral Health Enhancement.
The enhancements outlined in HB7 are pivotal for addressing the challenging circumstances of pediatric patients within mental health facilities. By requiring payers to offer a per diem rate that is at least 30% greater than average for eligible patients, the bill aims to encourage facilities to admit and care for these difficult-to-place young individuals. Furthermore, the bill limits facility reimbursements to a maximum length of stay of 14 days, thereby establishing both financial and operational parameters that will affect how facilities manage inpatient care for these populations.
House Bill 7, titled 'An Act to Amend Title 31 of the Delaware Code Relating to Pediatric Inpatient Behavioral Health Enhancement,' focuses on improving the conditions for pediatric inpatient mental health treatment in Delaware. The bill mandates that Delaware Medicaid provide an enhanced per diem rate for facilities that admit children and adolescents (18 years or younger) with specific needs, including those suffering from autism, intellectual disabilities, or severe behavioral issues. The legislation aims to ensure that these vulnerable groups have better access to necessary inpatient services while promoting compliance with higher treatment standards.
The general sentiment around HB7 appears to be positive, with lawmakers recognizing the urgent need for improved mental health services for children and adolescents. Many advocates, including healthcare providers and mental health professionals, support the bill as a necessary step toward better addressing pediatric behavioral health needs. However, there is concern among some stakeholders about the adequacy of resources and long-term sustainability of funding for these enhanced rates, prompting calls for careful oversight and evaluation.
One notable point of contention regarding HB7 is the implementation of the Quality Oversight Committee, which will be responsible for establishing quality metrics for participating facilities and making recommendations concerning enhancement rates to the General Assembly. While this could lead to improvements in service quality, it raises questions about the criteria for eligibility, the metrics to be utilized, and how the recommendations will ultimately be integrated into Medicaid policy. Stakeholders are keen to ensure that the oversight process will not become burdensome or counterproductive to the very intentions of the bill.