SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1612

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Children & Family Services & Corrections, April 2, 2003

Title: An act relating to notification to parents of the mental health treatment options for minors available under chapter 71.34 RCW.

Brief Description: Requiring notification to parents of mental health treatment options for a minor child.

Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Dickerson, Delvin, Carrell, Pettigrew, Upthegrove, Eickmeyer, Edwards and Kessler.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 3/25/03, 4/2/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Stevens, Chair; Parlette, Vice Chair; Carlson, Deccio, Hargrove, McAuliffe and Regala.

Staff: Fara Daun (786-7459)

Background: Concerns have been raised that parents seeking mental health treatment for their children are not informed of the treatment options available or the procedures to follow to obtain treatment for their children.

Summary of Bill: Evaluation and treatment facilities are required to provide written and verbal notice of all "statutorily available treatment options" to every parent or guardian seeking to have his or her minor child treated in an evaluation and treatment facility.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Testimony For: There is confusion and a lack of information about the services that are available. There is a need for both verbal and written notification of the services that are available. Parents are not told of these other services when they bring their child to an evaluation and treatment center. The hope is that the legislation will facilitate keeping families together by getting children the treatment they need.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Representative Hinkle, prime sponsor (pro); Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society (pro).