This bill amends existing law to allow the commissioner of health and human services to increase the bed capacity of pediatric intermediate care facilities under specific conditions. It introduces new provisions that enable the commissioner to assess the capacity of these facilities and report any identified need for additional beds to the relevant legislative committees. If the commissioner concludes that more beds are necessary, they can authorize an increase in the number of licensed beds, provided that this increase receives approval from the fiscal committee of the general court.

Additionally, the bill permits pediatric intermediate care facilities established before July 1, 2023, to temporarily house two additional pediatric residents beyond their licensed capacity until June 30, 2026. This provision is made despite the existing moratorium on increasing the licensed capacity of various health facilities, which is outlined in the current law. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of August 16, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 151:2
As Amended by the House: 151:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 151:2
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 151:2