| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
HB 1456
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Providing backup for mental health professionals doing home visits.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Hinkle, Appleton, Cody, Moeller, Strow, Crouse, Curtis, Seaquist, Jarrett, Hasegawa, Walsh, P. Sullivan, Buri, Simpson, O'Brien, Lantz, Hunt, McDonald, Sells, Schual-Berke, Linville, Kessler, Hankins, Haler, Skinner, Campbell, Morrell, Darneille, Armstrong, Dunshee, Fromhold, Kagi, Williams, Conway, Barlow, Grant, Priest, Dunn, Hunter, Hurst, Ericks, Pearson, Anderson, Clibborn, Pettigrew, Flannigan, Lovick, Dickerson, Kenney, Ormsby, Haigh, Wood, Rolfes, Santos and McDermott.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/12/07
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
There are designated mental health professionals (DMHPs) who perform initial evaluations and
detentions pursuant to the involuntary commitment statutes and provide crisis outreach services
for individuals with mental disorders. These DMHPs occasionally evaluate people for
involuntary detention or provide crisis outreach services in the homes of individuals with mental
disorders.
Summary of Bill:
No DMHP or other mental health crisis outreach worker will be required to conduct home visits
alone. Employers will equip mental health workers who engage in home visits with a
communication device. Mental health workers dispatched on crisis outreach visits will have
prompt access to any history of dangerousness or potential dangerousness on the client they are
visiting, if available. All community mental health workers who work directly with clients will
be provided with annual training on safety and violence prevention.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 9, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.