AR HB1710

Creates a temporary Task Force on Transportation of Nonemergency Behavioral Health Patients to examine and reform protocols for transporting behavioral health patients in nonemergency situations.

Identifies concerns that emergency medical services resources and personnel are being diverted from emergency coverage areas for extended periods during nonemergency behavioral health transports, creating public safety risks.

Task force membership consists of 14 members including legislators, representatives from the Departments of Health and Human Services, hospital associations, police/sheriff organizations, ambulance associations, mental health councils, and health insurance carriers.

Task force shall meet at least quarterly at the Department of Health, study other states' practices, consult stakeholders, and develop best practices and recommended protocols including identification of needed statutory or regulatory reforms.

Task force must submit a final written report to the House and Senate Public Health committees by March 1, 2020, and automatically expires on that date.