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2017 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1500 (Conference Report)

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Jail Mental Health Screening Instrument (language only)

Item 70 #1c

Item 70 #1c

Administration
Compensation Board

Language

Page 54, line 30, after "J." insert "1."

Page 54, after line 38, insert:

"2. Whenever a person is admitted to a local or regional correctional facility, the staff of the facility shall screen such person for mental illness using a scientifically validated instrument.  The Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall designate the instrument to be used for the screenings and such instrument shall be capable of being administered by an employee of the local or regional correctional facility, other than a health care provider, provided that such employee is trained in the administration of such instrument.

3. The Compensation Board shall review its jail staffing standards with respect to the provision of mental health and medical treatment in jails.  This review shall include an evaluation of the costs and benefits of requiring in all jails an assessment within 72 hours of the time of the initial screening, by qualified mental health professionals, of the need for mental health services in all cases where the initial screening indicates the person may have a mental illness.  The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall provide all necessary assistance to the Compensation Board in this evaluation.  The Compensation Board shall provide a report, including any recommendations for updating the jail staffing standards and associated costs, to the Secretaries of Administration, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Health and Human Resources, and to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by October 1, 2017."



Explanation

(This amendment requires the use of a standardized jail mental health screening instrument. The amendment also directs the Compensation Board to review its jail staffing standards and report on the cost of requiring every jail to conduct an assessment within 72 hours of the initial screening, by a qualified mental health professional, of all persons for whom the initial screening indicates they may have a mental illness.)