Conference committee adds $1.3M to SB2399, discusses PRTF reimbursement and new screening process

Members of the conference committee on Senate Bill 2399 voted unanimously to add $1,307,174 in general-fund costs to the bill and to accept House amendments with further changes after a discussion about psychiatric residential treatment facilities, reimbursement and recent changes to admissions screening.

The amendment to include the appropriation passed 6-0 on a roll call that recorded aye votes from Senator Lee, Senator Van Osteen, Senator Hogan, Representative Steaman, Representative Wagner and Representative Hawley. The committee then voted 6-0 to accept House amendments and further amend the bill.

The discussion focused on how Medicaid medical-assistance reimburses PRTFs and on recent changes to the state's placement-screening process. Representative Seaman said conferees selected a $500 supplemental payment to help facilities cover fixed costs for keeping beds available, saying the figure attempts to balance some expected savings while recognizing ongoing facility expenses: “We came up with the level…