HB 2319 Summary

• Establishes a state hospital governing body of at least nine members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, including the director (as chairperson), superintendent, a board-certified forensic psychiatrist, a forensic psychologist, and a nonvoting representative from the independent oversight committee.

• Requires the director to develop and implement a staffing plan to reduce vacancy rates at the civil facility, forensic facility, and Arizona Community Protection and Treatment Center.

• Mandates that psychiatrists develop individualized treatment and discharge plans for each patient within 30 days of admission, based on evidence-based standards with measurable outcomes reviewed every 90 days.

• Requires the director to contract with an independent third-party contractor to develop an assault reduction and response plan with staff training at hire and ongoing semiannual training evaluated annually by an external body.

• Appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2020-2021 to install and maintain an audio and video surveillance system at the Arizona State Hospital with secure storage for at least three months.