Mo. Rev. Stat. § 630.1150 – Foster children with mental illness, continued hospitalization of — collaborative project, requirements — interim report — expiration date

1. The department of mental health and the department of social services shall oversee and implement a collaborative project to:
1. (1) Assess the incidence and implications of continued hospitalization of foster children and clients of the department of mental health that occurs without medical justification because appropriate postdischarge placement options are unavailable;
2. (2) Assess the incidence and implications of continued hospitalization of foster children with mental illnesses, mental disorders, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities that occurs without medical justification because they are awaiting screening for appropriateness of residential services; and
3. (3) Develop recommendations to ensure that patients described in this subsection receive treatment in the most cost-effective and efficacious settings, consistent with federal and state standards for treatment in the least restrictive environment.
2. The departments shall solicit and consider data and recommendations from foster children, clients of the department of mental health, and other stakeholders who may provide or coordinate treatment, or have responsibility, for such children or patients, including:
1. (1) Hospital social workers and discharge planners;
2. (2) Health insurers;
3. (3) Psychiatrists and psychologists;
4. (4) Hospitals, as defined in section 197.020;
5. (5) Skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities licensed under chapter 198;
6. (6) Vendors, as defined in section 630.005;
7. (7) Vulnerable persons or persons under the care and custody of the children's division of the department of social services;
8. (8) Consumers;
9. (9) Public elementary and secondary schools;
10. (10) Family support teams and case workers; and
11. (11) The courts.
3. The departments shall issue interim reports by December 31, 2023, and July 1, 2024, and a final report by December 1, 2024. Copies of each report shall be submitted concurrently to the general assembly.
4. The provisions of this section shall expire on January 1, 2025.

(L. 2023 H.B. 402)

Expires 1-01-25