An Act To Determine the Need To Increase the Number of Forensic Emergency and Crisis Beds

CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill proposes to direct the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Corrections to determine the current need for forensic emergency and crisis beds to ensure the prompt and humane treatment of arrested individuals who are suffering from mental illness and awaiting trial. In making this determination, the departments shall consider:

1. The number of currently available forensic emergency and crisis beds;

2. The number of individuals currently awaiting placement pretrial;

3. The annual average number of individuals needing forensic services pretrial;

4. Proposals to address unmet needs and associated costs; and

5. Other factors that would lessen wait times for placements and provide needed mental health services to individuals pretrial.