FINAL BILL REPORT

                     SHB 1915

                                 C 29 L 91

                            Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing employment services in mental health programs.

By House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives R. King, Prentice, Morris, Prince, Nealey, Ogden and Chandler).

House Committee on Human Services

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Vocational services have proven to be an important tool in the treatment of the mentally ill.  Historically, neither the state nor the counties have been under any specific obligation to provide vocational services to this population.  Many counties do, however, provide these services.

Summary:  In providing treatment for the county's mentally ill, the County Mental Health program will provide employment services that result in mentally ill persons becoming engaged in meaningful and gainful full or part-time work.  These employment services may include supported employment, transitional work, placement in competitive employment, and other work related services.  Other sources of funding, such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, may be utilized to maximize federal funding and provide for integration of services.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 98    0

Senate   44    0

Effective:     July 28, 1991