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. The current moratorium on issuing new licenses or increasing capacity for various health facilities, including intermediate care facilities, is maintained, but with an important exception for pediatric facilities. Effective July 1, 2023, these facilities can temporarily house two additional pediatric residents beyond their licensed capacity until June 30, 2026.

The bill introduces new provisions that enable the commissioner to assess the capacity of pediatric intermediate care facilities and report any identified needs for additional beds to the relevant legislative committees. If the commissioner finds that there is a necessity for more beds, they can increase the licensed capacity of a pediatric intermediate care facility, but only with the approval of the joint fiscal committee of the general court. This change aims to address potential shortages in pediatric care while still adhering to the existing regulatory framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 151:2