House Bill 475, known as the "Medical Placement for High-acuity Children Act," seeks to improve the assessment and placement processes for high-acuity children within Florida's child protection system. The bill introduces new definitions, including "high-acuity child," "medical bed," and "medical placement," and mandates that a multidisciplinary team, including an expert in high-acuity care, be involved in placement decisions. It emphasizes the need for timely medical screenings and prioritizes placements in specialized settings that can adequately address the complex needs of these children. If a suitable placement is not found within five business days, an emergency evidentiary hearing must be held to determine the appropriate course of action.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify the roles of multidisciplinary teams and requires that case plans for high-acuity children reflect their unique medical and behavioral needs. It establishes a structured process for court approval of placements, periodic reviews, and the collection of data related to the effectiveness of the medical placement system. The legislation also introduces provisions for mobile response teams to provide immediate behavioral health crisis services for individuals aged 18 to 25, expanding eligibility criteria to include those previously classified as high-acuity children. Overall, HB 475 aims to enhance the care and support available to vulnerable children in Florida's welfare system, ensuring their complex needs are met effectively.

Statutes affected:
H 475 Filed: 39.302, 39.4021, 391.029, 393.065, 409.166, 934.255, 960.065, 984.03