SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6374

                    As of January 18, 2000

Title:  An act relating to notification and time limits for initial evaluations by the county designated mental health professional.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to notification and time limits for initial evaluations by the county designated mental health professional.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove, Franklin, Stevens, Kohl‑Welles, Winsley and Costa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/27/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Fara Daun (786-7459)

Background:  Current law requires a county designated mental health professional (CDMHP) to evaluate persons brought to a hospital emergency room within six hours after the hospital=s professional staff determine that an evaluation is necessary.  In some cases, although the CDMHP has performed the evaluation within six hours of being notified, the mental health detention has been overturned because medically necessary treatment has precluded the CDMHP from performing that evaluation within six hours of the hospital staff person=s determination that the evaluation was needed.

Summary of Bill:  It is clarified that the CDMHP has six hours following notification by hospital staff to perform the evaluation.  Notification by hospital staff is required immediately upon determination that an evaluation is necessary unless medically necessary treatment would preclude CDMHP evaluation, in which case, notification must occur immediately following the treatment.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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