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2026 Session

Budget Amendments - SB30 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Favola
Incentivizing Crisis Facilities to Adopt a No-Barrier Model (language only)

Item 299 #4s

Item 299 #4s

Health and Human Resources
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Language

Page 386, after line 40, insert:

"QQ. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) shall identify strategies to incentivize Community Services Boards (CSBs) to serve more individuals subject to an Emergency Custody Order (ECO) or Temporary Detention Order (TDO) in Crisis Receiving Centers (CRCs) and Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) that currently exist or that are under development/consideration. In conducting its work, DBHDS shall consider what changes to training, staffing, infrastructure, operational protocols, and other capabilities may be necessary for crisis facilities to serve individuals under an ECO or TDO by modeling a “no-barrier” approach to crisis services. For purposes of this evaluation, “no-barrier” facilities should be able to support rapid law-enforcement drop-off; admit individuals regardless of voluntary or involuntary status; safely serve individuals with high-acuity symptoms, including those exhibiting aggressive behaviors; and provide medical clearance for most individuals. No-barrier facilities may include a Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center as part of their operation but must be capable of admitting individuals under an ECO or TDO directly to their CRC or CSU. DBHDS shall also: (i) assess the extent to which existing CRCs and CSUs can be retrofitted or modified to safely adopt a no-barrier approach to crisis services; (ii) estimate the cost of retrofitting or upgrading existing facilities and compare to the estimated cost of building new facilities capable of supporting a no-barrier model; (iii) evaluate the need for additional personnel and/or enhanced staff training required to safely operate a no-barrier facility; (iv) estimate the cost of any required staffing increases or training enhancements; (v) estimate the number of ECOs and TDOs that could be appropriately served in CRCs and CSUs operating under a no-barrier model; and (vi) determine any additional capacity that may be required to safely and appropriately serve individuals under an ECO or TDO while maintaining adequate access for voluntary patients. DBHDS shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Behavioral Health Commission no later than December 1, 2026."



Explanation

(This amendment directs the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to identify strategies to serve more individuals subject to an ECO or TDO in crisis facilities by incentivizing existing CRCs and CSUs to follow a no-barrier approach, which entails accepting all individuals regardless of acuity or voluntary/involuntary status, and to offer a rapid drop-off option for law enforcement (“no barrier” approach). Although CSBs could be simply required to admit higher-acuity, involuntary patients in Crisis Receiving Centers and Crisis Stabilization Units, emphasis is being placed on identifying incentives that could be provided to help secure the buy-in of CSBs and ensure that desired outcomes are achieved. This is a recommendation of the Behavioral Health Commission.)