SB 5177-S2.E2 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Addresses forensic mental health services.

Encourages the department of social and health services to develop, on a phased-in basis, alternative locations and increased access to competency restoration services under chapter 10.77 RCW (criminally insane) for individuals who do not require in-patient psychiatric hospitalization level services.

Requires the department of social and health services to work with counties and the court to develop a screening process to determine which individuals are safe to receive competency restoration treatment outside the state hospitals.

Creates an office of forensic mental health services within the department of social and health services to prioritize goals of accuracy, prompt service to the court, quality assurance, and integration with other services.

Requires the administrative office of the courts to develop and prepare standard forms for court orders for forensic evaluation and competency restoration services and involuntary civil commitment.

Creates a court video testimony work group to consider and facilitate the use of video testimony by state competency evaluators and other representatives of the department of social and health services and the state hospitals in court matters.