Committee adopts small date change for pediatric hospital‑to‑home pilot report

The House Human Services Committee on Monday approved an amendment to House File 3738 that adjusts the statutory report date for the pediatric hospital‑to‑home pilot by one day to preserve a full two‑year evaluation window.

Proponents said the pilot — a one‑time $1 million appropriation enacted in 2024 to speed transitions for medically complex children from hospitals to home‑based care and coordination — began operating after an RFP process and needs the slightly later deadline so reporting covers the intended period. "This adjustment reflects the time it took to go through the RFP process and get the program going," the bill sponsor said, noting the program began its work in October and the change ensures the data capture covers the full two‑year period.

Committee members offered no substantive opposition. The committee adopted the A1 amendment reinstating the statutory language and clarified the due date, then laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the omnibus package. No public testimony was offered on the item.

The change affects only the report due date; it does not alter the pilot's appropriation or the pilot services, which include care coordination and home nursing intended to reduce delayed hospital discharges and unnecessary emergency‑department visits. The committee left the bill in committee for further consideration in the omnibus process.