This bill addresses the discharge process for individuals who have been involuntarily committed to a facility or hospital due to substance use disorders or serious mental impairments. It mandates that prior to discharge, the treating facility must refer the individual to an administrative services organization (ASO) for evaluation and postdischarge services, assess the individual for suicide risk, provide a 30-day supply of prescribed medications, and furnish a detailed discharge report to the individual or their legal representative. The discharge report must include essential information such as the individual's name, scheduled postdischarge appointments, a list of medications, and a patient-centered aftercare plan. Additionally, the facility is required to notify relevant parties, including the ASO and the individual's legal guardian or family members.
The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the ASO, which include coordinating postdischarge care and following up with the discharged individual to ensure they attend appointments and receive necessary services. Furthermore, ASOs are required to submit quarterly reports to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailing the number of discharges, outcomes, and any issues encountered in maintaining continuity of care. These reports are considered confidential and must comply with federal privacy regulations. The bill also includes conforming amendments to existing laws to define "administrative services organization" and requires HHS to adopt rules for the implementation of these provisions.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 125.2, 125.85, 229.1, 229.16