This bill seeks to improve services and support for youth, particularly in the areas of mental health and substance use treatment. It introduces new definitions and requirements for psychiatric medical institutions for children (PMICs), including a new licensing specification under chapter 135H. The bill amends existing laws to replace references to "children" with "youth" and establishes that PMICs must provide comprehensive care for youth with serious emotional disturbances or substance use disorders. It also outlines the licensure process, emphasizing accreditation and compliance with state rules, while ensuring that treatment does not require court proceedings or relinquishment of parental rights. Additionally, the bill addresses the approval process for converting treatment beds and clarifies that limitations on bed numbers do not apply to out-of-state youth.

Moreover, the legislation introduces amendments related to the assessment and treatment of children in state facilities, including the requirement for physical assessments and behavioral health evaluations. It mandates training for individuals reporting suspected child abuse and updates terminology to reflect a more comprehensive approach to child assessments. The bill also clarifies the juvenile court's role in ordering assessments and establishes rules for protective locked environments in facilities. Key changes include exempting PMICs from certain licensing requirements and modifying the oversight structure for juvenile court services. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of mental health services for youth while ensuring legal and administrative processes are clearly defined.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125.13, 135H.1, 135H.3, 514C.22, 237.3, 135H.6, 135H.10, 135H.13, 229.13, 229.14, 232.2, 232.49, 232.47, 232.8, 232.68, 232.69, 232.71B, 232.77, 232.78, 232.79, 232.83, 232.96A, 232.127, 232.141, 237.4, 237C.1, 237C.4, 602.1101, 602.1217, 602.7201, 602.7202, 514I.8, 249A.38, 135B.12, 135B.20, 135C.2, 135C.6, 135C.9, 232.36, 232.37, 232.101A, 232.102A, 232B.5, 232.57