An Act ensuring the appropriate and timely payment and residential service placement for children deemed to be a safety risk

This bill requires public school departments to create 24/7 residential treatment or out-of-school district placement plans in a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) within 10 days after a mental health facility determines eligibility for such treatment. It directly affects children with mental health needs or developmental disabilities deemed a safety risk, ensuring their parents or guardians have final authority over placement selection. The bill mandates school, developmental services, children’s, and mental health departments to coordinate funding for placements within 30 days, without delaying care. It also establishes a 6-member commission to study payment delays and recommend improvements to the Mass Health reimbursement system for residential care.