Budget Amendment ID: FY2019-S4-585

EHS 585

Expanding Mental Health Treatment

Messrs. Ross and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section __, the following new section:-

SECTION __. There is hereby established a special commission to study expanding the use of public psychiatric hospitals operated by the Department of Mental Health. The commission shall investigate the cost of opening and operating new facilities, impacts on other health care facilities, private and public insurance coverage for inpatient psychiatric treatment, feasibility and impacts of mandatory treatment, and any other relevant matter.

The commission shall consist of the following members: the commissioner of the department of mental health or a designee; the chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use, and recovery; one member appointed by the house minority leader; one member appointed by the senate minority leader and three members appointed by the governor, two of whom shall have experience in the mental or behavioral health fields, and one of whom shall have experience in the public safety field.

The commission shall file the results of its study together with recommendations for legislation with the clerks of the house or representatives and senate on or before December 31, 2018.