FINAL BILL REPORT

2SSB 5074

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 439 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Talmadge, Newhouse, McCaslin, Moore, Lee and Hayner)

Revising involuntary commitment procedures.

Senate Committee on Judiciary and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Human Services

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Washington State's Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) was enacted in 1959 and underwent major changes in 1973 and 1979. The act permits, by court order, the involuntary treatment of a person who, as a result of a mental disorder, is gravely disabled or presents a likelihood of serious harm to self or others. Mental health professionals are those persons entrusted with the responsibility for commitment of individuals who fall within the scope of the act.  The initial commitment period is 72 hours with additional treatment periods of 14, 90 and 180 days. The ITA is administered at the state level by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and at the local level by county governments.  The majority of the funding is provided through the state general fund.  Counties may provide ITA services directly or contract with private agencies.

There are several areas of concern that have been raised with respect to the ITA.  During the 1986 interim, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard the testimony of mental health professionals pertaining to the ITA.  Many other issues have been addressed in the joint study of the Washington State Involuntary Treatment Act (1983) conducted by the Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) and the House Office of Program Research.

SUMMARY:

The Involuntary Treatment Act is amended to reflect a comprehensive approach to the treatment of mentally-ill adults in intensive and less-restrictive settings.

A 90-day less-restrictive treatment alternative replaces the present 14-day less-restrictive treatment program.  In adopting treatment plans, the petitioner must show with specificity the less-restrictive alternative considered, and why treatment less restrictive than detention is not appropriate.

Language which prohibits a person from obtaining treatment under the ITA if proceedings are also initiated under the alcoholism treatment act is deleted.  Depending upon the initial needs of the person, cross- referral between alcohol treatment facilities and mental health facilities may be required.

A pilot program is created to determine the effect of case management services on those persons who are conditionally released or committed to less restrictive treatment.  The pilot program is conducted in at least three counties, and the requirements for participation are outlined.  In pilot counties, in conjunction with the county mental health coordinator, a community mental health agency is appointed by the court to provide the appropriate case management services.  The community mental health is required to assign a case manager whose duties include:  (1) participation with the court in the formulation of the less restrictive or conditional release order; and (2) participation in the development of an individualized treatment plan with the treatment team.

The implementation of the pilot program begins on January 1, 1988, and terminates on June 30, 1989.  A report to the Legislature on the progress of the pilot program and recommendations shall be submitted by the Legislative Budget Committee by January 1, 1989.

The physician-patient and psychologist-client privileges are modified.  The court has the discretion to waive the privilege based solely on the need for protection of either the detained person or the public.  The waiver is limited to records or testimony reasonably related to evaluation of the detained person.

If a conditionally-released person presents a likelihood of serious harm to others or himself, or is gravely disabled, the county designated mental health professional (CDMHP) or the secretary of DSHS may order that the conditionally-released person be taken into custody and detained in an evaluation and treatment facility.  If the patient does not adhere to the terms of a conditional release, the CDMHP or secretary may, in lieu of hospitalization, notify the patient to come to a hearing not less than 5 days after service of a petition for revocation.  When a conditional release is revoked, the subsequent treatment period may be for no longer than the period authorized in the original court order.  In the event of a revocation of a less restrictive alternative treatment, the subsequent treatment period may be for no longer than 14 days.

The time period that a person may be detained at an alcohol and treatment facility as a result of incapacitation by alcohol is increased from 48 to 72 hours.  A petition for commitment of a person alleged to be incapacitated by alcohol must be heard by the court no less than three and no more than seven days after the date the petition is filed.

The filing period for 90-day treatment and the length of continuances are shortened.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    46     1

      House 97   0 (House amended)

      Senate    46     1 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987

Partial Veto Summary:  The veto deletes the 14-day limit on the treatment period in the event a less restrictive alternative treatment is revoked.  (See VETO MESSAGE)