SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6633

                    As of February 2, 1998

Title:  An act relating to managed public mental health care.

Brief Description:  Establishing provisions for managed mental health care.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove, Deccio, Thibaudeau, West and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/3/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Joan K. Mell (786-7447)

Background:  Concern has been expressed that mental illness poses a significant risk of harm to the public, and that services are woefully inadequate and underfunded.  Mental illness is an issue that requires immediate attention at a legislative and executive level.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature finds it is important to ensure managed care in the public mental health care system preserves and strengthens the community-based delivery of mental health services through the regional support networks created under this chapter.

Managed public mental health care must include collaboration among consumers, providers and payers; services and support must be directed by consumer need and desire; services must meet need; consumers must have a bill of rights; services must be cost effective and accountable; and services must focus on community-based care rather than institutional care.

A task force is created comprised of six members representing service providers, regional support networks, managed care agencies and the public; two members of the Senate, one representing each of the two largest caucuses in the Senate; and two members of the House of Representatives, one representing each of the two largest caucuses in the House of Representatives; one member representing the Governor; and one member representing the Department of Social and Health Services.   The task force is given specific directives and is instructed to make recommendations related to design and implementation of managed public mental health care services.

The task force must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor no later than December 1, 1998. 

Appropriation:  $50,000 from the general fund to the House of Representatives for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested on January 20, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.