Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Hospital Overstay Patients - Placement

EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
amendment.
*hb1559*

HOUSE BILL 1559
O4, O1 6lr3211

By: The Speaker and Delegates Griffith, Acevero, Alston, Bagnall, Barnes,
Beauchamp, Chang, Cullison, Edelson , Forbes, Ghrist, Guzzone, Harrison,
Hill, Hinebaugh, Hutchinson, Ivey, S. Johnson, A. Jones, D. Jones, Kaiser,
Kaufman, Kipke, Lopez, Martinez, McCaskill, Metzgar, M. Morgan, Reilly,
Rosenberg, Ross, Ruff, Shetty, Smith, Spiegel, Stonko, Szeliga, Taveras,
Toles, Watson, White Holland, Wolek, and Woorman
Introduced and read first time: February 13, 2026
Assigned to: Appropriations and Health
Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
House action: Adopted
Read second time: March 7, 2026

CHAPTER ______

AN ACT concerning 1

Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Hospital Overstay Patients – 2
Placement 3

FOR the purpose of prohibiting the placement of children in unlicensed settings under the 4
out–of–home placement program required to be establ ished by the Social Services 5
Administration; altering the duties of the pediatric hospital overstay coordinators; 6
establishing the Child and Youth Placement Review Panel in the Governor’s Office 7
for Children with the Placement Manager as its head; requirin g the Placement 8
Manager Senior Advisor for Children and Families as its head; requiring the Senior 9
Advisor to convene a Rapid Response Placement Team under certain circumstances; 10
authorizing the Department of Human Services to execute an emergency 11
procurement with certain providers under certain circumstances; establishing the 12
Advisory Council on Maryland’s System of Care for Children, Youth, and Families; 13
establishing the Interagency Council on Children, Youth, and Families; authorizing 14
the Governo r to transfer positions and funds appropriated for positions from the 15
Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Hospital Overstays to 16
the Office; and generally relating to children in unlicensed settings and pediatric 17
hospital overstay patients. 18

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 19
2 HOUSE BILL 1559

Article – Family Law 1
Section 5–525(a) and (c) 2
Annotated Code of Maryland 3
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 4

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 5
Article – Family Law 6
Section 5–525(b)(1) 7
Annotated Code of Maryland 8
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 9

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 10
Article – Family Law 11
Section 5–525(a) 12
Annotated Code of Maryland 13
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 14
(As enacted by Section 1 of this Act) 15

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 16
Article – Family Law 17
Section 5–525(b)(1) and (c) 18
Annotated Code of Maryland 19
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 20
(As enacted by Section 1 of this Act) 21

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 22
Article – Health – General 23
Section 19–388 24
Annotated Code of Maryland 25
(2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 26

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 27
Article – Health – General 28
Section 19–390 29
Annotated Code of Maryland 30
(2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 31

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 32
Article – Human Services 33
Section 8–101(a), (j), (m), and (q) 34
Annotated Code of Maryland 35
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 36

BY adding to 37
Article – Human Services 38
HOUSE BILL 1559 3

Section 8–1401 through 8–1408 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 14. Child and 1
Youth Placement Review” ; and 8 –1501 through 8 –1503 to be under the new 2
subtitle “Subtitle 15. Interagency Council on Children, Youth, and Families” 3
Annotated Code of Maryland 4
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 5

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 6
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 7

Article – Family Law 8

5–525. 9

(a) (1) In this sectio n[, “disability” ] THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE 10
MEANINGS INDICATED. 11

(2) (I) “DISABILITY” means: 12

[(i)] 1. a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits 13
one or more of an individual’s major life activities; 14

[(ii)] 2. a record of having a physical or mental impairment that 15
substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities; or 16

[(iii)] 3. being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment 17
that substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities. 18

[(2)] (II) “Disability” shall be construed in accordance with the ADA 19
Amendments Act of 2008, P.L. 110–325. 20

(3) (I) “SEMI–INDEPENDENT LIVING A RRANGEMENT” MEANS A 21
SUBSIDIZED LIVING ARRANGEMENT FOR YOUTH RECEIVING YOUTH TRANSITIONAL 22
SERVICES IN AN APARTMENT , A BOARDER ARRANGEMEN T, A COLLEGE DORM , OR 23
OTHER LIVING ARRANGEMENT APPROVED BY A LOCAL DEPARTMENT. 24

(II) “SEMI–INDEPENDENT LIVING A RRANGEMENT” DOES NOT 25
INCLUDE AN ARRANGEME NT FOR HOUSING IN A TRANSIENT OR AN 26
EMERGENCY–TYPE FACILITY, INCLUDING A RESCUE MI SSION, A NONRESIDENTIAL 27
HOTEL OR MOTEL, AN ADULT SHELTER, OR A TOURIST HOME. 28

(3) (4) (I) “UNLICENSED SETTING ” MEANS A SETTING FOR AN 29
OUT–OF–HOME PLACEMENT THAT IS NOT LICENSED BY A STATE LICENSING ENTITY 30
FOR CUSTODY, PLACEMENT, WELFARE, AND HOUSING OF CHILDREN. 31

(II) “UNLICENSED SETTING” INCLUDES: 32
4 HOUSE BILL 1559

1. A HOTEL, MOTEL, OR SHORT–TERM RENTAL; 1

2. A SHELTER DESIGNATED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A 2
CHILD WHO HAS RUN AWAY OR WHO IS HOMELESS; AND 3

3. AN OFFICE BUILDING O R OTHER NONRESIDENTIAL 4
ENVIRONMENT. 5

(III) “UNLICENSED SETTING” DOES NOT INCLUDE: 6

1. THE VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT OF A FORMER CINA; 7

2. A SEMI–INDEPENDENT LIVING ARRANGEMENT; OR 8

2. 3. THE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD WITH: 9

A. AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS A KINSHIP CAREGIVER OR 10
FOSTER PARENT OR WHO IS IN THE PROCESS OF APPLYING TO BE A KIN SHIP 11
CAREGIVER OR FOSTER PARENT; OR 12

B. A PARENT , INCLUDING IN A FAMIL Y–BASED 13
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT SETTING. 14

(b) (1) The Administration shall establish a program of ou t–of–home 15
placement for minor children: 16

(i) who are placed in the custody of a local department, for a period 17
of not more than 180 days, by a parent or legal guardian under a voluntary placement 18
agreement; 19

(ii) who are abused, abandoned, neglected, or dependent, if a 20
juvenile court: 21

1. has determined that continued residence in the child’s 22
home is contrary to the child’s welfare; and 23

2. has committed the child to the custody or guardianship of 24
a local department; or 25

(iii) who, with the approval of the Administration, are placed in an 26
out–of–home placement by a local department under a voluntary placement agreement 27
subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection. 28

HOUSE BILL 1559 5

(c) (1) [In] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS 1
SUBSECTION, IN establishing the out –of–home placement program the Administration 2
shall: 3

[(1)] (I) provide time –limited family reunification services to a child 4
placed in an out –of–home placement and to the parents or guardian of the child, in order 5
to facilitate the child’s safe and appropriate reunification within a timely manner; 6

[(2)] (II) concurrently develop and implement a permanency plan that is 7
in the best interests of the child; and 8

[(3)] (III) provide training on an annual basis for the staff at each l ocal 9
department who administer requests for voluntary placement agreements for children with 10
developmental disabilities or mental illnesses under subsection (b) of this section. 11

(2) THE OUT–OF–HOME PLACEMENT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY THE 12
ADMINISTRATION SHALL PROHIBIT THE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN USE OF AN 13
UNLICENSED SETTING FOR A CHILD. 14

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 15
as follows: 16

Article – Family Law 17

5–525. 18

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 19

(2) (i) “Disability” means: 20

1. a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits 21
one or more of an individual’s major life activities; 22

2. a record o f having a physical or mental impairment that 23
substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities; or 24

3. being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment 25
that substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities. 26

(ii) “Disability” shall be construed in accordance with the ADA 27
Amendments Act of 2008, P.L. 110–325. 28

(3) (i) “Semi–independent living arrangement” means a subsidized 29
living arrangement for youth receiving youth transitional services in an apartment, a 30
boarder arrangement, a college dorm, or other living arrangement approved by a local 31
department. 32
6 HOUSE BILL 1559

(ii) “Semi–independent living arrangement” does not include an 1
arrangement for housing in a transient or an emergency –type facility, including a rescue 2
mission, a nonresidential hotel or motel, an adult shelter, or a tourist home. 3

(4) (i) “Unlicensed setting” means a setting for an 4
out–of–home placement that is not licensed by a State licensing entity for custody, 5
placement, welfare, and housing of children. 6

(ii) “Unlicensed setting” includes: 7

1. a hotel, motel, or short–term rental; 8

2. a shelter designated to meet the needs of a child who has 9
run away or who is homeless; [and] 10

3. an office building or other nonresidential environment ; 11
AND 12

4. AN INPATIENT UNIT OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF 13
A HOSPITAL IN WHICH THE CHILD IS A PATIENT UNDER THE AGE OF 22 YEARS WHO 14
REMAINS FOR MORE THA N 48 HOURS AFTER BEING ME DICALLY CLEARED FOR 15
DISCHARGE OR TRANSFER. 16

(iii) “Unlicensed setting” does not include: 17

1. the voluntary placement of a former CINA; 18

2. a semi–independent living arrangement; 19
or 20

3. the placement of a child with: 21

A. an individual who is a kinship caregiver or foster parent 22
or who is in the process of applying to be a kinship caregiver or foster parent; or 23

B. a parent, including in a family –based residential 24
treatment setting. 25

(b) (1) The Administration shall establish a program of out –of–home 26
placement for minor children: 27

(i) who are placed in the custody of a local department, for a period 28
of not more than 180 days, by a parent or legal guardian under a voluntary placement 29
agreement; 30

HOUSE BILL 1559 7

(ii) who are abused, abandoned, neglected, or dependent, if a 1
juvenile court: 2

1. has determined that continued residence in the child’s 3
home is contrary to the child’s welfare; and 4

2. has committed the child to the custody or guardianship of 5
a local department; or 6

(iii) who, with the approval of the Administration, are placed in an 7
out–of–home placement by a local department under a voluntary placement agreement 8
subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection. 9

(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in establishing 10
the out–of–home placement program the Administration shall: 11

(i) provide time –limited family reunification services to a child 12
placed in an out –of–home placement and to the parents or guardian of the child, in order 13
to facilitate the child’s safe and appropriate reunification within a timely manner; 14

(ii) concurrently develop and implement a permanency plan that is 15
in the best interests of the child; and 16

(iii) provide training on an annual basis for the staff at each local 17
department who administer requests for voluntary placement agreements for children with 18
developmental disabilities or mental illnesses under subsection (b) of this section. 19

(2) The out –of–home placement program established by the 20
Administration shall prohibit the use of an unlicensed setting for a child. 21

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 22
as follows: 23

Article – Health – General 24

19–388. 25

(a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. 26

(b) “Coordinators” means the pediatric overstay coordinator in the Department 27
and the pediatric overstay coordinator in the Department of Human Services. 28

(c) “Pediatric hospital overstay patient” means a patient under the age of 22 years 29
who remains in an inpatient unit or emergency department of a hospital for more than 48 30
hours after being medically cleared for discharge or transfer. 31

19–390. 32
8 HOUSE BILL 1559

(a) The Department and the Department of Human Services shall establish a 1
pediatric hospital overstay coordinator within each department. 2

(b) The coordinators shall act in the best inter est of a pediatric overstay patient 3
by [coordinating]: 4

(1) REPORTING ANY INSTANCE OF A PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL OVERSTAY 5
PATIENT TO THE PLACEMENT MANAGER IN THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE FOR 6
CHILDREN AS SOON AS THE PATIENT IS KNOWN TO THE COORDINATOR; AND 7

(2) COORDINATING between hospitals, relevant State agencies and 8
programs, and providers of mental health and substance use disorder services. 9

(c) The coordinators shall: 10

(1) Advocate on behalf of pediatric hospital overstay patients while 11
maintaining appropriate patient confidentiality; 12

(2) Review policies and procedures of relevant State agencies and make 13
recommendations for necessary changes to the policies and procedures to better serve 14
pediatric hospital overstay patients; 15

(3) Maintain data on each pediatric hospital overstay patient, including: 16

(i) Patient’s length of stay; 17

(ii) The responsible State agency, if applicable; 18

(iii) Services needed; 19

(iv) Placement options being sought by the patient; 20

(v) Information regarding previous hospital admissions for a 21
behavioral health diagnosis; and 22

(VI) INFORMATION REGARDING WHETHER THE ADMISSION WAS 23
BASED ON AN EMERGENC Y PETITION AND , IF SO , WHETHER THE EMERGENC Y 24
PETITION WAS EXECUTED IN A SCHOOL; AND 25

(vi) (VII) Any other relevant data; and 26

(4) [Report] PROVIDE MONTHLY REPOR TS on the data collected under 27
this subsection to the Secretary [and], the Secretary of Human Services, AND THE CHILD 28
AND YOUTH PLACEMENT REVIEW PANEL IN THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE FOR 29
CHILDREN. 30
HOUSE BILL 1559 9

(5) A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY SHALL NOTIFY THE COO RDINATORS, 1
THROUGH A SYSTEM DES IGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT, ABOUT A PEDIATRIC 2
HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PATIENT. 3

Article – Human Services 4

8–101. 5

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 6

(j) “Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article. 7

(m) “Office” means the Governor’s Office for Children. 8

(q) “Special Secretary” means the Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office for 9
Children. 10

SUBTITLE 14. CHILD AND YOUTH PLACEMENT REVIEW. 11

8–1401. 12

(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 13
INDICATED. 14

(B) (1) “CHILD IN AN UNLICENSE D SETTING ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL 15
UNDER THE AGE OF 22 YEARS: 16

(I) IN AN OUT –OF–HOME PLACEMENT WHO I S RESI DING IN A 17
HOTEL, AN OFFICE BUILDING FOR MORE THAN 12 CONSECUTIVE HOURS, A SHELTER, 18
OR ANY OTHER UNLICENSED SETTING; OR 19

(II) WHO IS A PEDIATRIC OVERSTAY PATIENT. 20

(2) “CHILD IN AN UNLICENSE D SETTING ” DOES NOT INCLUDE AN 21
INDIVIDUAL UNDER THE AGE OF 22 YEARS WHO IS RECEIVING A SELF–INDEPENDENT 22
LIVING STIPEND, LIVING WITH KIN AWAI TING APPROVAL FOR PL ACEMENT, OR ON 23
AFTERCARE WITH A PARENT. 24

(C) “PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PATIENT” HAS THE MEANING STATED 25
IN § 19–388 OF THE HEALTH – GENERAL ARTICLE. 26

(D) “PLACEMENT MANAGER” MEANS THE PLACEMENT MANAGER OF THE 27
CHILD AND YOUTH PLACEMENT REVIEW PANEL. 28
10 HOUSE BILL 1559

(E) (D) “PLACEMENT TEAM” MEANS THE RAPID RESPONSE PLACEMENT 1
TEAM. 2

(F) (E) “REVIEW PANEL” MEANS THE CHILD AND YOUTH PLACEMENT 3
REVIEW PANEL. 4

(F) “SENIOR ADVISOR” MEANS THE SENIOR ADVISOR FOR CHILDREN AND 5
FAMILIES IN THE OFFICE. 6

8–1402. 7

THERE IS A CHILD AND YOUTH PLACEMENT REVIEW PANEL IN THE OFFICE. 8

8–1403. 9

(A) (1) THE HEAD OF THE REVIEW PANEL IS THE PLACEMENT MANAGER 10
THERE IS A SENIOR ADVISOR FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE OFFICE. 11

(2) THE SENIOR ADVISOR SHALL OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE 12
REVIEW PANEL. 13

(2) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SHALL BE APPO INTED BY THE 14
GOVERNOR. 15

(3) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SENIOR ADVISOR SERVES AT THE 16
PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR. 17

(B) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SENIOR ADVISOR SHALL DEVOTE 18
FULL–TIME TO THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE. 19

(C) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SENIOR ADVISOR IS ENTITLED TO: 20

(1) COMPENSATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE BUDGET; AND 21

(2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE STANDARD STATE 22
TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 23

(D) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SENIOR ADVISOR SHALL: 24

(1) SERVE AS THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THE PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL 25
OVERSTAY COORDINATORS; 26

HOUSE BILL 1559 11

(2) OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE REVIEW PANEL TO ENSURE THE 1
PROVISION OF ADEQUATE MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN 2
IN UNLICENSED SETTINGS IN THE STATE; AND 3

(3) KEEP THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE REVIEW PANEL; AND 4

(4) DOCUMENT INFORMATION FOR CASES USING STAN DARD FORMS 5
AND DATA. 6

8–1404. 7

(A) THE REVIEW PANEL CONSISTS OF: 8

(1) THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 9

(2) THE SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 10
DESIGNEE; 11

(3) THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, OR THE STATE 12
SUPERINTENDENT’S DESIGNEE; 13

(4) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SENIOR ADVISOR; AND 14

(5) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR: 15

(I) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F A LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF 16
SOCIAL SERVICES; 17

(II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF 211 MARYLAND; 18

(III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A CHILD ADVOCACY GROUP WITH 19
EXPERTISE IN FOSTER CARE; 20

(IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A LEGAL ADVOCACY GROUP WITH 21
EXPERTISE IN FOSTER CARE; 22

(V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE MARYLAND RESOURCE 23
PARENT ASSOCIATION WHO HAS LIVED EXPERIENCE WITH FOSTER CARE; 24

(VI) ONE CHILD WELFARE CASEWORKER; 25

(VII) ONE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDER; 26

12 HOUSE BILL 1559

(VIII) TWO LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS WI TH 1
EXPERTISE IN TRAUMA, INCLUDING DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING IN 2
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT CARE AND FAMILY CARE; AND 3

(IX) ONE INDIVIDUAL WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE IN THE STATE 4
FOSTER CARE SYSTEM THE SECRETARY OF JUVENILE SERVICES, OR THE 5
SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; AND 6

(6) THE COORDINATORS, AS DEFINED IN § 19–388 OF THE HEALTH – 7
GENERAL ARTICLE. 8

(B) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, THE MEMBERS APPOINTE D TO THE 9
REVIEW PANEL SHALL REFLECT T HE GEOGRAPHIC, RACIAL, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, 10
AND GENDER DIVERSITY OF THE STATE IN CONDUCTING THE ANALYSIS REQUIRED 11
UNDER § 8–1406 OF THIS SUBTITLE , THE REVIEW PANEL MAY CONSULT WIT H 12
INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHILD. 13

(C) A MAJORITY OF THE MEMB ERS PRESENT AT A MEE TING SHALL 14
CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. 15

(D) THE REVIEW PANEL SHALL MEET MONTHLY AT LEAST EVERY 2 MONTHS 16
AT THE TIMES AND PLACES THE REVIEW PANEL DETERMINES. 17

8–1405. 18

(A) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SENIOR ADVISOR SHALL SERVE AS THE 19
CHAIR OF THE REVIEW PANEL. 20

(B) A MEMBER OF THE REVIEW PANEL: 21

(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE REVIEW 22
PANEL; BUT 23

(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMB URSEMENT FOR EXPENSE S UNDER THE 24
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 25

(C) THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE STAFF SUPPORT FOR THE REVIEW PANEL. 26

8–1406. 27

(A) THE REVIEW PANEL SHALL: 28

HOUSE BILL 1559 13

(1) ANALYZE ANY INSTANCE INVOLVING A CHILD IN A PEDIATRIC 1
OVERSTAY OR AN UNLICENSED SETTING; AND 2

(2) SUPPORT PLACEMENT EFFORTS INVOLVING A CHILD IDENTIFIED 3
UNDER ITEM (1) OF THIS SECTION BY REFERRING THE CHILD TO: 4

(I) LOCAL DEPARTMENTS OF SOCIAL SERVICES; 5

(II) PUBLIC OR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAMS; 6

(III) A RESIDENTIAL PROGRA M OPERATE D BY OR UNDER 7
CONTRACT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE SERVICES; 8

(IV) A FOSTER CARE HOME APPROVED BY A LOCAL DEPARTMENT 9
OF SOCIAL SERVICES; 10

(V) A TREATMENT FOSTER CARE HOME; 11

(VI) THE PLACEMENT TEAM; OR 12

(VII) ANY OTHER APPROPRIAT E ENTITY TO SUPPORT THE 13
PLACEMENT OF THE CHI LD PROPOSE SYSTEMIC IMP ROVEMENTS BASED ON T HE 14
ANALYSIS CONDUCTED IN ITEM (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION. 15

(B) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2027, AND EACH JULY 1 THEREAFTER, THE 16
REVIEW PANEL SHALL REPORT ON THE ANALYSIS CONDUCT ED UNDER THI S 17
SECTION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ACCORDANC E WITH § 2–1257 OF THE 18
STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 19

8–1407. 20

(A) WHEN A PEDIATRIC HOSP ITAL OVERSTAY PATIEN T REMAINS IN THE 21
HOSPITAL FOR MORE THAN 72 HOURS, THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SHALL CONVENE 22
A RAPID RESPONSE PLACEMENT TEAM 23

(1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 24
WITHIN 48 HOURS OF BEING NOTIF IED OF A PEDIATRIC O VERSTAY PATIENT, THE 25
COORDINATORS SHALL CONVENE A RAPID RESPONSE PLACEMENT TEAM. 26

(2) IF THE COORDINATORS ARE NOTIFIED OF A PEDIATRIC OVERSTAY 27
PATIENT ON A FRIDAY, THE COORDINATORS SHALL CONVENE A PLACEMENT TEAM 28
WITHIN 72 HOURS OF BEING NOTIFIED OR EARLIER IF POSSIBLE. 29

14 HOUSE BILL 1559

(3) NOTHING IN THIS SUBSE CTION PREVENTS THE C OORDINATORS 1
FROM TAKING STEPS TO SECURE A PLACEMENT F OR A PEDIATRI C OVERSTAY 2
PATIENT BEFORE HOLDI NG THE INITIAL MEETI NG REQUIRED UNDER SU BSECTION 3
(E) OF THIS SECTION. 4

(B) THE PLACEMENT TEAM SHALL CONSIST OF: 5

(1) THE SENIOR ADVISOR, IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY; 6

(2) THE COORDINATORS, AS DEFINED IN § 19–388 OF THE HEALTH – 7
GENERAL ARTICLE; AND 8

(2) (3) THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S IF APPLICABLE , THE 9
FOLLOWING MEMBERS WHO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHILD, DESIGNATED BY THE 10
PLACEMENT MANAGER COORDINATORS: 11

(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF 211 MARYLAND; 12

(II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT O F 13
SOCIAL SERVICES; 14

(III) IF APPLICABLE , A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN UNLICENSED 15
SETTING WHERE A CHILD IS RESIDING; AND 16

(IV) (II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HOSPITAL WHERE T HE 17
CHILD IS CONSIDERED A PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PATIENT. 18

(C) THE PLACEMENT TEAM SHALL: 19

(1) DEVELOP A PLAN FOR T HE APPROPRIATE PLACE MENT OF A 20
PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PATIENT WHO HAS REMAINED IN A HOSPITAL FOR 21
MORE THAN 72 HOURS; AND 22

(2) ARRANGE FOR A TEMPOR ARY PLACEMENT IN A L ICENSED 23
SETTING WHEN A PLA CEMENT HAS BEEN IDEN TIFIED, BUT A BED IS NOT 24
IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE. 25

(D) THE PLACEMENT TEAM MAY: 26

(1) CONDUCT IMMEDIATE CLINICAL AND PLACEMENT ASSESSMENTS; 27

(2) OVERRIDE LOCAL DEPAR TMENT PLACEMENT DECISIONS, IF 28
NECESSARY TO PLACE THE CHILD I N A CLINICALLY APPROPRIA TE, LEAST 29
RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT; AND 30
HOUSE BILL 1559 15

(3) SECURE IMMEDIATE PLA CEMENT IN APPROPRIATE AND LEAS T 1
RESTRICTIVE AVAILABLE LICENSED SETTINGS; AND 2

(4) (I) AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO 3
EXECUTE AN EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT UNDER § 13–108 OF THE STATE FINANCE 4
AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE WITH AN IN–STATE OR OUT–OF–STATE PROVIDER BY 5
PROVIDING THE JUSTIF ICATION FOR THE USE OF EMERGENCY PROCURE MENT 6
METHOD; 7

(II) REQUIRE OUT –OF–STATE PLACEMENTS ONL Y WHEN NO 8
IN–STATE PROVIDER OFFERS THE REQUIRED CARE NEEDED BY THE CHILD; AND 9

(III) REQUIRE ANY OUT –OF–STATE PROVIDER TO MA INTAIN 10
COMMUNICATION WITH T HE PARENT OR GUARDIA N REGARDING TREATMEN T AND 11
CARE OF THE CHILD. 12

(E) (1) WHEN A PLACEMENT TEAM IS CONVENED, THE THE PLACEMENT 13
TEAM SHALL MEET EACH DAY HOLD AN INITIAL IN –PERSON OR VIRTUAL ME ETING 14
IMMEDIATELY WITH ALL MEMBERS OF THE PLACEMENT TEAM AND HAVE DAILY 15
COMMUNICATION WITH A LL MEMBERS OF THE PLACEMENT TEAM UNTIL A 16
PLACEMENT FOR THE CHILD IS LOCATED SECURED. 17

(2) ONCE CONVENED, THE PLACEMENT TEAM SHALL HOLD AT LEAST 18
ONE IN–PERSON OR VIRTUAL MEETING PER WEEK. 19

(F) THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SHALL BE DEE MED TO BE 20
COMPLIANT WITH THE P ROHIBITION ON THE US E OF AN INPATIENT UN IT OR 21
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR A PEDIATRIC OVERSTAY P ATIENT ESTABLISHED 22
UNDER § 5–525(C)(2) OF THE FAMILY LAW ARTICLE, IF THE DEPARTMENT IS 23
ACTIVELY SEARCHING FOR A PLACEMENT FOR THE CHILD. 24

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 25
as follows: 26

Article – Human Services 27

8–1408. 28

(A) IN THIS SECTION , “ADVISORY COUNCIL” MEANS THE ADVISORY 29
COUNCIL ON MARYLAND’S SYSTEM OF CARE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND 30
FAMILIES. 31

16 HOUSE BILL 1559

(B) THERE IS AN ADVISORY COUNCIL ON MARYLAND’S SYSTEM OF CARE 1
FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES. 2

(C) THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING 3
INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWL EDGE OF WORKING WITH 4
CHILDREN WITH BEHAVI ORAL HEALTH CHALLENG ES, ADVERSE CHILDHOOD 5
EXPERIENCES, AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MEMBERS: 6

(1) THE SPECIAL SECRETARY, OR THE SPECIAL SECRETARY’S 7
DESIGNEE; 8

(2) THE PLACEMENT MANAGER SECRETARY OF HEALTH, OR THE 9
SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 10

(3) THE SECRETARY OF JUVENILE SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 11
DESIGNEE; 12

(4) THE SECRETARY OF DISABILITIES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 13
DESIGNEE; 14

(5) THE SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 15
DESIGNEE; 16

(6) THE MARYLAND INSURANCE COMMISSIONER, OR THE 17
COMMISSIONER’S DESIGNEE; 18

(7) THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, OR THE STATE 19
SUPERINTENDENT’S DESIGNEE; 20

(8) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND HEALTH CARE 21
COMMISSION, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 22

(9) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHESAPEAKE REGIONAL 23
INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR OUR PATIENTS, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S 24
DESIGNEE; 25

(10) A REPRESENTATIVE FRO M THE STATE–AUTHORIZED 26
ADMINISTRATOR OF 2–1–1 SERVICES IN MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY THE 27
GOVERNOR; 28

(3) (11) THE COORDINATORS , AS DEFINED IN § 19–388 OF THE 29
HEALTH – GENERAL ARTICLE; 30

HOUSE BILL 1559 17

(4) (12) THE PUBLIC DEFENDER, OR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER’S 1
DESIGNEE; 2

(5) (13) THE STATE FOSTER YOUTH OMBUDSMAN; AND 3

(6) (14) THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S, WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE AND 4
KNOWLEDGE OF WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH B EHAVIORAL HEALTH 5
CHALLENGES, ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EX PERIENCES, AND DEVELOPMENTAL 6
DISABILITIES, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR: 7

(I) THE SENIOR ADVISOR; 8

(II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F A LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF 9
SOCIAL SERVICES; 10

(II) (III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE MARYLAND 11
ASSOCIATION OF RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND YOUTH; 12

(III) (IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F DISABILITY RIGHTS 13
MARYLAND; 14

(IV) (V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE COMMUNITY 15
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MARYLAND; 16

(V) (VI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF MARYLAND LEGAL AID; 17

(VI) (VII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE COURT APPOINTED 18
SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF MARYLAND; 19

(VII) (VIII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE NATIONAL 20
ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS – MARYLAND WHO IS A HOS PITAL–BASED 21
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER; 22

(VIII) (IX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MARYLAND CHAPTER 23
OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS; 24

(IX) (X) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MARYLAND HOSPITAL 25
ASSOCIATION; 26

(X) (XI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A SPECIALTY PSYCHIATRIC 27
HOSPITAL; 28

18 HOUSE BILL 1559

(XI) (XII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL 1
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT; 2

(XII) (XIII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE MARYLAND 3
RESOURCE PARENT ASSOCIATION; 4

(XIII) (XIV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE MARYLAND MENTAL 5
HEALTH ASSOCIATION; 6

(XIV) (XV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F A RESIDENTIAL 7
TREATMENT PROVIDER IN THE STATE; 8

(XV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A FAMILY OF A CHILD IN FOSTER 9
CARE; AND 10

(XVI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE W ITH LIVED EXPERIENCE IN THE 11
STATE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. 12

(D) (1) THE SPECIAL SECRETARY, OR THE SPECIAL SECRETARY’S 13
DESIGNEE SENIOR ADVISOR, SHALL SERVE AS CHAIR OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL. 14

(2) THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL MEET QUARTERLY AT THE TIMES 15
AND PLACES THE ADVISORY COUNCIL DETERMINES. 16

(3) THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE STAFF FOR THE ADVISORY 17
COUNCIL. 18

(4) THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL HOLD JO INT MEETINGS WITH 19
THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES AT LEAST TWO 20
TIMES PER YEAR. 21

(E) A MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL: 22

(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMP ENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 23
ADVISORY COUNCIL; BUT 24

(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMB URSEMENT FOR EXPENSE S UNDER THE 25
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 26

(F) THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL: 27

(1) REVIEW EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO E NSURE THAT 28
THEY FACILITATE THE PROVISION OF ADEQUAT E MEDICAL AND BEHAVI ORAL 29
HOUSE BILL 1559 19

HEALTH CARE IN THE STATE, INCLUDING TO YOUTH IN OUT–OF–HOME PLACEMENTS 1
IN THE STATE; 2

(2) RECOMMEND TO THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON CHILDREN, 3
YOUTH, AND FAMILIES ANY ADDITIONS OR CHA NGES TO EXISTING LAW S OR 4
REGULATIONS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THE PR OVISION OF ADEQUATE MEDICAL 5
AND BEHAVIORAL HEALT H CARE TO CHILDREN I N NEED OF MEDICAL AN D 6
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN THE STATE, INCLUDING YOUTH IN O UT–OF–HOME 7
PLACEMENTS IN THE STATE; 8

(3) IDENTIFY ANY GRANT O R MONEY FROM THE FED ERAL 9
GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS , OR OTHER SOURCES THA T MAY BE 10
AVAILABLE FOR PROGRA MS RELATED TO CHILDR EN IN OUT –OF–HOME 11
PLACEMENTS; 12

(4) ASSIST ORGANIZATIONS IN APPLYING FOR GRAN TS IDENTIFIED 13
UNDER ITEM (3) OF THIS SUBSECTION RECOMMEND IMPROVEMEN TS FOR 14
EDUCATION, OUTREACH, AND SUPPORT TO FOSTER CARE PARENTS IN THE STATE TO 15
PREVENT DISRUPTION IN PLACEMENTS; 16

(5) EXAMINE T HE NEW JERSEY CHILDREN’S SYSTEM OF CARE 17
MODEL AND PROVIDE RE COMMENDATIONS ON HOW THE MODEL CAN BE 18
REPLICATED IN THE STATE IN CONSULTATION WITH AN INSTITUTION OF HI GHER 19
EDUCATION OR A PRIVATE RESEARCH ENTITY WITH EXPERTISE IN THE MODEL; AND 20

(6) REVIEW EXISTING LAWS AND RE GULATIONS, PROVIDE 21
RECOMMENDATIONS IF GAPS ARE IDENTIFIED, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO 22
ENSURE, IF A PARENT OR GUARD IAN IS NOT AVAILABLE TO MAKE MEDICAL 23
DECISIONS OR WHILE I N THE PROCESS OF OBT AINING A VOLUNTARY P LACEMENT 24
AGREEMENT, ALL PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PATIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO: 25

(I) LEGAL REPRESENTATION; AND 26

(II) EDUCATION SERVICES; 27

(7) REVIEW ANY RECOMMEND ATIONS OF THE WORKGROUP ON 28
CHILDREN IN UNLICENSED SETTINGS AND PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL OVERSTAYS; AND 29

(8) REVIEW BARRIERS TO CAPACITY EXPANSION, INCLUDING RATE 30
REFORM AND INSURANCE PARITY, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS. 31

(G) (1) THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL FORM A SUBGROUP CONSISTING 32
OF THE MEMBERS LISTE D UNDER SUBSECTION (C)(1) THROUGH (12) OF THIS 33
SECTION. 34
20 HOUSE BILL 1559

(2) THE SUBGROUP OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL MAY CONSULT WITH 1
EXPERTS AS NECESSARY , INCLUDING INSURERS , PAYORS, AND THE MARYLAND 2
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 3

(3) THE SUBGROUP OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL: 4

(I) COMPLETE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT NU MBER OF 5
LICENSED BEDS , STAFFED BEDS , AND PHYSICAL BEDS IN TENDED TO SERVE THE 6
NEEDS OF CHILDREN AN D YOUTH BY AGENCY , CATEGORIZED BY TYPE OF BED 7
INCLUSIVE OF AGE, GENDER, DIAGNOSIS, SEVERITY, AND SPECIALTY ACCEPTED FOR 8
THE FOLLOWING BED TYPES: 9

1. TRADITIONAL FOSTER HOMES; 10

2. PRIVATE AND PUBLIC TREATMENT FOSTER HOMES; 11

3. GROUP HOMES; 12

4. RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTERS; 13

5. PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC BEDS; 14
AND 15

6. RESPITE BEDS; 16

(II) DEVELOP AN ELECTRONI C PROCESS FOR TRACKI NG THE 17
REAL–TIME LOCATION, LENGTH OF STAY , AND DISCHARGE PLANS FOR PEDIATRIC 18
HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PA TIENTS, AS DEFINED IN § 19–388 OF THE HEALTH – 19
GENERAL ARTICLE, INCLUDING YOUTH UNDE R OR IN THE PROCESS OF A 20
VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT AGREEMENT; 21

(III) 1. DEVELOP A MODEL FOR STANDARDIZ ED DATA 22
COLLECTION WITH MAND ATED UNIFORM METRICS , INCLUDING AGE , GENDER 23
IDENTITY, RACE, ETHNICITY, COUNTY OF ORIGIN , PAYOR TYPE , AND LENGTH OF 24
STAY FOR PEDIATRIC H OSPITAL OVERSTAY PATIENTS, AS DEFINED IN § 19–388 OF 25
THE HEALTH – GENERAL ARTICLE, INCLUDING YOUTH UNDER OR IN THE PROCESS 26
OF A VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT AGREEMENT; AND 27

2. DESIGNATE AN ENTITY TO SERVE AS A CENTRA L 28
REPOSITORY FOR DATA COLLECTED; AND 29

HOUSE BILL 1559 21

(IV) DEVELOP A PLAN AND I DENTIFY RESOURCES NE EDED TO 1
EXPAND MOBILE RESPONSE AND STABILIZATION SERVICES ACROSS THE STATE TO 2
ENSURE STATEWIDE ACCESS AND FULL IMPLEMENTATION BY 2030. 3

(G) (H) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, BEGINNING IN 2027, THE 4
ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE 5
GOVERNOR, THE PLACEMENT MANAGER, AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF 6
THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 7

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 8
as follows: 9

Article – Human Services 10

SUBTITLE 15. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES. 11

8–1501. 12

IN THIS SUBTITLE , “INTERAGENCY COUNCIL” MEANS THE INTERAGENCY 13
COUNCIL ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES. 14

8–1502. 15

(A) THERE IS AN INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND 16
FAMILIES. 17

(B) THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING 18
REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH STATE AGENCY RESPONSI BLE FOR PROVIDING 19
MEDICAL OR BEHAVIORA L HEALTH CARE , SERVICES, OR SUPERVISION TO 20
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES: 21

(1) THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 22

(2) THE SECRETARY OF JUVENILE SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 23
DESIGNEE; 24

(3) THE SECRETARY OF DISABILITIES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 25
DESIGNEE; 26

(4) THE SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 27
DESIGNEE; 28

(5) THE MARYLAND INSURANCE COMMISSIONER, OR THE 29
COMMISSIONER’S DESIGNEE; 30
22 HOUSE BILL 1559

(6) THE PUBLIC DEFENDER, OR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER’S 1
DESIGNEE; 2

(7) THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, OR THE STATE 3
SUPERINTENDENT’S DESIGNEE; 4

(8) THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE MARYLAND MEDICAID 5
PROGRAM, OR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 6

(9) THE SPECIAL SECRETARY, OR THE SPECIAL SECRETARY’S 7
DESIGNEE; 8

(10) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND HEALTH CARE 9
COMMISSION, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 10

(11) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHESAPEAKE REGIONAL 11
INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR OUR PATIENTS, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S 12
DESIGNEE; 13

(12) THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF HEALTH CARE QUALITY, OR 14
THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 15

(13) THE COORDINATORS, AS DEFINED IN § 19–388 OF THE HEALTH – 16
GENERAL ARTICLE; AND 17

(14) A R EPRESENTATIVE FROM T HE STATE–AUTHORIZED 18
ADMINISTRATOR OF 2–1–1 SERVICES IN MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY THE 19
GOVERNOR. 20

(C) (1) THE SPECIAL SECRETARY, OR THE SPECIAL SECRETARY’S 21
DESIGNEE, SHALL SERVE AS CHAIR OF THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL. 22

(2) THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN SHALL PROVIDE STAFF 23
FOR THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL. 24

(3) THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL SHALL MEET MO NTHLY AT THE 25
TIMES AND PLACES THAT THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL DETERMINES. 26

8–1503. 27

(A) THE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL SHALL: 28

HOUSE BILL 1559 23

(1) COMPLETE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CU RRENT NUMBER OF 1
LICENSED BEDS , STAFFED BEDS , AND PHYSICAL BEDS IN TENDED TO SERVE THE 2
NEEDS OF CHILDREN AN D YOUTH BY AGENCY , CATEGORIZED BY TYPE OF BED 3
INCLUSIVE OF AGE, GENDER, DIAGNOSIS, SEVERITY, AND SPECIALTY ACCEPTED FOR 4
THE FOLLOWING BED TYPES: 5

(I) TRADITIONAL FOSTER HOMES; 6

(II) PRIVATE AND PUBLIC TREATMENT FOSTER HOMES; 7

(III) GROUP HOMES; 8

(IV) RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTERS; 9

(V) PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC BEDS; AND 10

(VI) RESPITE BEDS; 11

(2) DEVELOP AN ELECTRONIC P ROCESS FOR TRACKING THE 12
REAL–TIME LOCATION, LENGTH OF STAY , AND DISCHARGE PLANS FOR PEDIATRIC 13
HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PA TIENTS, AS DEFINED IN § 19–388 OF THE HEALTH – 14
GENERAL ARTICLE, INCLUDING YOUTH UNDE R OR IN THE PROCESS OF A 15
VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT AGREEMENT; 16

(3) (I) DEVELOP A MODEL FOR STANDARDIZED DATA COLLECTION 17
WITH MANDATED UNIFOR M METRICS , INCLUDING AGE, GENDER IDENTITY, RACE, 18
ETHNICITY, COUNTY OF ORIGIN, PAYER TYPE, AND LENGTH OF STAY FOR PEDIATRIC 19
HOSPITAL OVERSTAY PA TIENTS, AS DEF INED IN § 19–388 OF THE HEALTH – 20
GENERAL ARTICLE, INCLUDING YOUTH UNDE R OR IN THE PROCESS OF A 21
VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT AGREEMENT; AND 22

(II) DESIGNATE AN ENTITY TO SERVE AS A CENTRA L 23
REPOSITORY FOR DATA COLLECTED; AND 24

(4) DEVELOP A PLAN AND IDENTIFY RESOURCES NEEDED TO EXPAND 25
MOBILE RESPONSE AND STABILIZATION SERVICES ACROSS THE STATE TO ENSURE 26
STATEWIDE ACCESS AND FULL IMPLEMENTATION BY 2030. 27

(B) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2027, AND JANUARY 1, 2028, THE 28
INTERAGENCY COUNCIL SHALL REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO 29
THE GOVERNOR, THE PLACEMENT MANAGER, AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 30
OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 31

24 HOUSE BILL 1559

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Governor may transfer 1
positions and funds appropriated for positions from the Workgroup on Children in 2
Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Hospital Overstays to the Governor’s Office for Children. 3

SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 4

On or before January 1, 2027, the Department of Human Services and the Maryland 5
Department of Health shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2 –1257 6
of the State Government Article, on the progress of capacity building and preventive 7
services to end pediatric overstays, including: 8

(1) residential treatment beds; 9

(2) therapeutic foster care homes; 10

(3) specialized placements for high–needs youth; 11

(4) licensure of facilities and foster youth homes; 12

(5) mobile crisis response; 13

(6) 1915(i) waiver services; 14

(7) in–home services and wraparound supports; and 15

(8) necessary staffing. 16

SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That nothing in this Act authorizes 17
a hospital to discharge a pediatric overstay patient in a manner that is inconsistent with § 18
19–308.8 of the Health – General Article, State regulations governing hospital discharge, 19
or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services conditions of participation. 20

SECTION 4. 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 3 of this Act shall 21
take effect October 1, 2026. It shall remain effective for a period of 3 years and, at the end 22
of September 30, 2029, Section 2 3 of this Act, with no further action required by the 23
General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 24

SECTION 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act shall take 25
effect January 1, 2027. 26

SECTION 5. 9. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in 27
Section 4 Sections 7 and 8 of this Act, this Act shall take effect June 1, 2026. 28