An Act Regarding Children With Behavioral Health Needs Awaiting Placement In Residential Care Facilities

LD 791 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse hospitals for MaineCare-eligible children under 19 who are waiting for placement in residential care facilities, starting January 2026. It mandates monthly reports tracking children stuck in hospital ERs over 48 hours after needing less care, including data on age, homelessness, and unavailable services. The bill also requires the department to develop three crisis centers for children with behavioral health needs within 270 days and secure a psychiatric residential treatment facility by April 2025 (or operate one directly by July 2026). These provisions directly affect hospitals, children awaiting care, and state health agencies managing MaineCare services.