Mississippi House Bill HB621

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

CON; Health Department shall issue for beds in a community living program for developmentally disabled adults in Madison County.

Impact

The passage of HB621 would carry significant implications for health care regulations in Mississippi, particularly regarding certificate of need (CON) processes. By streamlining the issuance of CONs for facilities aimed at supporting developmentally disabled adults, the bill seeks to address the shortage of adequate care facilities. This could not only improve access to necessary health services for individuals with developmental disabilities but may also encourage the growth of similar facilities in other counties, as it sets a precedent for expedited CON processes in future initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 621 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Section 41-7-191 of the Mississippi Code to facilitate the establishment of a community living program specifically for developmentally disabled adults within an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID). The bill mandates the State Department of Health to issue a certificate of need for the construction, expansion, or conversion of beds in a designated nonprofit organization located in Madison County. This change in state law is intended to enhance the availability of specialized care for an underserved population within the health care system.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB621 may face scrutiny and contention regarding the adequacy of the oversight associated with the expansion of such facilities. Concerns may arise over the quality of care and the regulatory oversight of nonprofit entities operating under the new CON approvals. Pediatric and mental health advocates may stress the importance of maintaining stringent standards for care quality and service delivery for this vulnerable group. Moreover, stakeholders might debate the allocation of state resources towards these facilities compared to other pressing health concerns or programs.