Add the following appropriately numbered rider to the bill pattern of the Health & Human Services Commission.

____. Pilot: Reducing Acute Care Stays for Behavioral Complex Patients. Out of funds appropriated above, the Health and Human Services Commission shall create a pilot program within a geographical region, as chosen by HHSC, to provide a behavioral health per diem $175 add-on for up to 150 complex patients, at any given time, who reside in a nursing facility and require a high level of behavioral health supports and services. For a nursing facility to receive the add-on:

(a)  The patient must have a clinically documented history of persistent and disruptive behaviors that require moderate to frequent behavioral interventions;

(b)  The nursing facility shall provide enhanced care and support for the patient aimed at improving patient outcomes and lowering costs including the unnecessary utilization of emergency room visits including:

(i)  specialized staff training;

(j)  creation and implementation of a person-centered behavioral support plan; and

(k)  behavior management services provided by a team of behavioral health professionals, including medication management, behavioral intervention and psychotherapy.

HHSC shall collect and assess outcome-based data to determine the cost savings of the pilot population versus other behaviorally complex patients. HHSC shall provide a status update to the Legislative Budget Board and governor by January 1, 2027, on initial findings and recommendations on how to expand the pilot for the following biennium.