Brief Description: Regarding use of state hospital beds by regional support networks.

Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Pettigrew, Rockefeller and Skinner.

Hearing Date: 1/21/04

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Mental Health Division within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) allocates nonforensic beds at state mental hospitals utilized by regional support networks (RSNs) based on the number of beds funded by the Legislature for each hospital. If an RSN exceeds its allocation of beds, but the hospital is not over capacity, it pays nothing for the extra beds it uses. If the hospital is over capacity, the RSNs that have exceeded their allocations pay for the additional beds over capacity based on the amount they are over their individual allocation.

RSNs that do not exceed their individual allocation are unable to utilize state hospital beds if the hospital is over capacity. They are forced to purchase beds in community inpatient facilities which are much more expensive that beds at the state hospital.

Summary of Bill:

RSNs that exceed their individual allocation at the state hospital will pay the Mental Health Division within the DSHS three times the state hospital daily bed charge. The mental health division will use the money collected to: (1) reimburse the state for the additional use of the state hospital; (2) reimburse RSNs who have not exceeded and are unable to utilize their individual allocated beds at the state hospital for costs associated with providing inpatient treatment in a community hospital; and, to the extent any funds remain (3) allow RSNs who exceed their individual allocation of state hospital beds to apply for funds to develop local impatient or hospital diversion capacity.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.