Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Accelerates implementation of provisions of 2010 legislation that expanded the factors that may be considered for detaining and committing persons under the Involuntary Treatment Act, from July 1, 2015, to July1, 2014.
Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to ensure that moneys appropriated for the act are used in a way that increases involuntary commitment capacity consistent with a report from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy.

Background:

Under the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA), a person can be detained and ordered to undergo treatment at an inpatient psychiatric facility when the person, as a result of a mental disorder, presents a likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled. Designated mental health professionals (DMHPs) are responsible for investigating and determining whether to detain an individual who may be in need of involuntary treatment. An initial detention may last for up to 72 hours, but individuals may be committed by a court for additional periods of 14, 90, or 180 days if necessary for further treatment.

Legislation enacted in 2010 (Second Substitute House Bill 3076) expanded the factors that DMHPs and courts may consider when making determinations for detention and commitment under the ITA. Under these expanded factors, DMHPs and courts may consider symptoms and behavior that standing alone would not justify commitment, but that show a marked deterioration in the person's condition and are closely associated with symptoms and behavior that led to past incidents of involuntary hospitalization or violent acts.

These changes were originally to take effect on January 1, 2012. In 2011 a Washington State Institute for Public Policy study of the impacts of the expanded criteria estimated that there will be a need for additional evaluation and treatment and inpatient psychiatric beds to accommodate an expected increase in the number of detentions and commitments resulting from these changes.

Legislation enacted in 2011 (Substitute House Bill 2131) delayed, until July 1, 2015, the effective date of the provisions that expanded the factors that DMHPs and courts may consider when making detention and commitment decisions.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The July 1, 2015, effective date for implementation of the expanded factors that designated mental health professionals and the courts may consider in determining whether to detain or commit a person for involuntary treatment is moved up to July 1, 2014.

The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) must consult with stakeholders and legislative staff to ensure that moneys appropriated for implementation of the act are used in a way that increases involuntary commitment capacity consistent with the findings published in the Washington Institute for Public Policy in its two-part report "Inpatient Psychiatric Capacity in Washington State: Assessing Future Needs and Impacts."

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) These are important changes to the standards for detaining persons under the ITA. The new standards will make it easier to intervene and provide mental health treatment to people before something bad happens. We have a crisis driven mental health system that does not meet the needs of persons suffering from mental illness. Delaying these changes means we will lose even more ground in addressing this issue. Failing to spend the funds to get people the help they need implies that the problem has gone away, when in fact it has not.

(With concerns) It is critical to have the capacity in the community before making this change. Buildings have to be developed and staffed. July 1, 2014, would be the earliest implementation date that the Department could meet. The Department is looking at alternatives to opening wards involving intensive community services.

(Other) The delayed effective date was passed because we could not afford to implement the changes. The deficit in available mental health services was made worse with recent cuts to mental health funding. Please do not succumb to the temptation to pass this bill but not fund it. That will only result in these people being boarded in hospitals because there are not enough mental health facilities to take care of them. Earlier intervention and treatment is a good thing but we currently do not have the resources to handle increased commitments. Evaluation and treatment beds and enhanced treatment services must be in place before implementing these changes.

(Opposed) It will be very challenging, if not impossible, to implement these changes by January 2014. We are already in a deep hole with two out of three patients being boarded in hospitals. Implementing these changes is the right thing to do, but we need more time, and the resources and infrastructure to make it happen.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Green, prime sponsor; and Sandi Ando, National Alliance on Mental Illness.

(With concerns) Jane Beyer, Department of Social and Health Services.

(Other) Ken McComb, Washington State Hospital Association; and Gregory Robinson, Washington Community Mental Health Council.

(Opposed) Amnon Shoenfeld, King County Regional Support Network; and Abby Murphy, Washington State Association of Counties.