HB 4448

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Safe Place to Go Act. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services' Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, to apply for a Medicaid State Plan amendment or federal waiver within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act to draw federal financial participation for crisis triage and stabilization services provided by behavioral health urgent care centers to support adults or children 5 years of age and older who are in an active mental health crisis and adults 18 years of age and older in a substance use crisis. Sets forth the services provided by behavioral health urgent care centers that shall be covered, including, but not limited to, crisis triage services, crisis stabilization services, and medication monitoring. Contains provisions concerning the use of the Illinois Mental Health Crisis Assessment Tool to determine an individual's eligibility or medical need for crisis stabilization services; telehealth and on-site services; safe sobering services; linkages to enable rapid transition to next level of care; length of stay; the development of a single bundle rate for crisis triage services and 2 separate per diem reimbursement rates for crisis stabilization services and safe sobering services; no prior authorization requirements; and the establishment of a working group to provide meaningful input on the establishment, operations, staffing, and financing of behavioral health urgent care centers. Requires the Department to adopt rules within 6 months after federal approval of its State Plan amendment or federal waiver application, if granted. Effective immediately.