All three state hospitals accredited; committee warned of rising civil‑commitment costs and longer stays that reduce Medicaid reimbursement

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee was briefed on the Division of Psychiatric Hospitalization’s budget, including the accreditation status of state hospitals, Medicaid billing gains and growing civil‑commitment and restoration‑to‑competency caseloads that have increased costs.

Alex Williamson, Legislative Services Office budget analyst, explained that psychiatric hospitalization is organized into four programs (community hospitalization and three state hospitals) and that the division is authorized for 467 full‑time positions. DHW reported estimated FY2024 expenditures of about $62.6 million for the division, with personnel and operating costs driving spending.

Director Alex Adams and Ross Edmonds, administrator for the Division of Behavioral Health, told the committee all three state hospitals are now accredited. Adams said accreditation allows hospitals to bill…