Assembly Bill 111 aims to establish a certification process for psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) in Wisconsin, specifically for individuals under the age of 21. The bill empowers the Department of Health Services (DHS) to certify PRTFs that provide inpatient psychiatric services, ensuring they meet federal standards. It includes provisions for announced and unannounced inspections, limits on the number of certifications, and a requirement for geographic diversity in the location of PRTFs. Additionally, the bill allows DHS to create administrative rules regarding security requirements, staffing levels, and operational standards for PRTFs.
The bill also incorporates federal regulations related to PRTFs, defining them and outlining the conditions for patient admission. It allows for the use of video surveillance in common areas without patient consent, mandates that patients and guardians be informed of such surveillance, and establishes confidentiality for video recordings. Furthermore, the bill permits the implementation of locked units for safety and authorizes DHS to provide grants for establishing PRTFs, with a focus on ensuring regional representation across the state. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the availability and regulation of mental health services for youth in Wisconsin.