SB 5559 - DIGEST

     Finds that specific appropriations for atypical antipsychotic medications used in community settings are more effectively administered centrally by the mental health division of the department of social and health services.

     Declares an intent that the mental health division shall establish a mechanism separate from the regional support network funding formula for distributing specific appropriations for atypical antipsychotic medications to the regional support networks.   It is the further intent of the legislature that this mechanism will maximize federal funding opportunities, and that specific appropriations for these medications shall be targeted toward underserved groups.

     Directs the department to establish a methodology to assure that specific appropriations for atypical antipsychotic medications used in community settings are directed toward each of the following groups:  (1) Persons in crisis who are not medicaid qualified;

     (2) working poor who are not medicaid eligible;

     (3) persons transitioning from jail to medicaid eligibility; and

     (4) persons in jail.