S.C.R. No. 100 Summary

• Director of Health is requested to form a working group to evaluate treatment of MH-1 patients (individuals transported by law enforcement for emergency mental health examination under HRS section 334-59).

• Working group must develop criteria for designating facilities to receive MH-1 patients, review law enforcement protocols for standardized statewide transportation, and assess current capacity and gaps in mental health services.

• Working group must include 15-17 members: Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Administration (chair), seven hospital representatives (including at least two from neighbor islands and one from public hospital), law enforcement, federally qualified health center representative, residential treatment facility representative, Healthcare Association of Hawaii representative, mental health services provider, and Department of Human Services representative.

• Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 Regular Session convening and dissolves June 30, 2020.

• Working group priorities include developing recommendations for patient distribution across facilities, building coordinated crisis and outpatient/inpatient care systems, and establishing reimbursement mechanisms to support mental health services.