HCR 204 Summary

• Director of Health is requested to form a working group to evaluate treatment of MH-1 patients (individuals deemed an imminent threat to themselves or others under HRS § 334-59) transported to psychiatric facilities for emergency mental health examinations.

• Working group must develop criteria for designating facilities to receive MH-1 patients, review law enforcement protocols for appropriate patient transportation, and recommend equitable distribution of patients across healthcare facilities by county.

• Working group shall assess current law enforcement and healthcare facility capacity for mental health crisis services, identify service gaps, and develop recommendations for a coordinated system of care including crisis services, community services, and outpatient/inpatient options.

• Membership includes Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Administration (chairperson), seven hospital representatives (including at least two from neighbor islands and one from public hospital), federally qualified health center representative, residential treatment facility representative, Healthcare Association of Hawaii representative, two law enforcement representatives, mental health services provider, and Department of Human Services representative.

• Working group must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 Regular Session and shall dissolve on June 30, 2020.