Brief Description: Regarding the intensive case management and integrated crisis response pilot programs.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Stevens and Marr).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Human Services
House Committee on Appropriations

Background: In 2005 the Legislature passed E2SSB 5763 (omnibus treatment of mental and substance abuse disorders act; C 504 L 05 PV). In addition to other items, this legislation established two different types of pilot programs designed to serve people with mental illness and/or chemical dependency. The pilot programs expire as of June 30, 2008. These programs were funded by the Legislature through the 2005-07 biennium and for the first fiscal year of the 2007-09 biennium, in accordance with their expiration date.

Integrated Crisis Response (ICR) Pilot Program. The ICR pilot program uses a different type of civil commitment option limited to the pilot program areas. This civil commitment can be used to order the involuntary treatment of an individual who is gravely disabled or a danger to self or others due to chemical dependency and/or both chemical dependency and mental illness. Funding for the ICR programs covers: (1) secure detoxification centers that offer a chemical dependency commitment alternative; and (2) designated crisis responders who are trained in both mental illness and chemical dependency disorders to act as first crisis responders.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) contracted for the ICR program in Pierce County and in Sedro Woolley (North Sound Regional Support Network). A final evaluation of the ICR programs by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) is due by September 30, 2008.

Intensive Case Management (ICM) Pilot Program. In addition to the ICR pilot programs, E2SSB 5763 required DSHS to contract with two counties to provide intensive case management for chemically dependent persons with a history of high utilization of crisis services, such as hospital emergency rooms. Case managers for the ICM programs do outreach and connect individuals to treatment, housing, and support services. The two contracted sites are King County and Thurston/ Mason Counties.

Summary: The expiration dates are removed from the ICR and ICM pilot programs. These programs are made contingent on funding provided in the biennial budget. DSHS may contract for additional pilot sites, subject to funding provided for that specific purpose. The final evaluation date for the pilots are extended to June 30, 2010, with a progress evaluation on June 30, 2008.

The ICR pilot program is updated to allow for a 60-day less restrictive treatment order to be imposed following a patient's release from the secure detox center. Patients violating conditions of the less restrictive order may be returned to the secure detox center for up to 14 days. A definition of "imminent" is added to Chapter 70.96B RCW, and rules for granting of continuances are provided.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      45   0
House      93   0   (House amended)
Senate            (Senate refused to concur)
House      97   0   (House amended)
Senate      49   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008

Partial Veto Summary: The provisions allowing DSHS to contract for additional Integrated Crisis Response and Intensive Case Management pilot sites if funding is provided for that specific purpose are removed.