Committee backs tighter licensure for psychiatric residential treatment programs

The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee approved legislation intended to make licensure of psychiatric residential treatment facilities consistent across in-state and out-of-state placements. Tonya Williams, director of the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, told the committee the bill closes a monitoring gap when programs serve out-of-state children and ensures the Office of Long Term Care maintains authority to oversee chemical restraints and seclusion practices.

Williams said the measure would preserve a facility’s current authorized capacity unless the provider sought to increase beds, which would trigger an approval process. She also noted the Child Welfare Agency Review Board — a governor-appointed body — has authority to close facilities that are nonoperational for 12 months.

Supporters argued the change protects children in residential care and aligns licensing with Medicaid and long-term care oversight. The committee passed the bill by voice vote.