SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6733
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 2, 2010
Title: An act relating to allocating responsibility for court-related costs of involuntary commitment proceedings.
Brief Description: Allocating responsibility for court-related costs of involuntary commitment proceedings.
Sponsors: Senator King.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/04/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background: The Involuntary Treatment Act allows a designated mental health professional (DMHP) to detain a person for up to 72 hours if the DMHP finds that the person has a mental disorder, and as a result of the mental disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled. The DMHP must then file a civil commitment petition in superior court, and the court must hold a probable cause hearing to determine whether the person may be held in detention for an additional 14 days of involuntary mental health treatment. Before the conclusion of this 14-day period, a further petition may be filed requesting up to 90 additional days of treatment. The detained person may request a bench trial or jury trial to oppose a 90-day petition.
There are a limited number of evaluation and treatment facilities (E&Ts) in Washington which accept patients for involuntary commitment. Due to the scarcity of E&T beds, it is not unusual for a person who is detained in one county to be placed in an E&T in a different county for treatment. The court hearings would then occur in the county where the person is receiving treatment.
A Regional Support Network (RSN) is a county authority, group of county authorities, or private entity which contracts with the Department of Social and Health Services to provide mental health services to consumers in a given area.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): When a person is detained for involuntary commitment and the court hearings take place within the boundaries of a RSN other than the RSN in which the person was originally detained, the RSN or county may obtain reimbursement for the court related expenses of the commitment from the RSN in which the person was originally detained.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.