S.R. No. 74 Summary

• Director of Health is requested to form a working group to evaluate treatment of MH-1 patients (those exhibiting imminent threat to themselves or others under HRS §334-59) experiencing mental health crises.

• Working group shall develop criteria for designating facilities to receive MH-1 patients, review law enforcement protocols for standardized transportation, and assess current capacity and needs across the state.

• Working group shall recommend appropriate patient distribution across healthcare facilities by county, develop coordinated crisis care systems including alternative treatment sites, and propose reimbursement recommendations.

• Working group membership includes Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Administration (chair), 7 hospital representatives (minimum 2 from neighbor islands, 1 from public hospital), 1 federally qualified health center representative, law enforcement, mental health providers, and representatives from residential treatment facilities and Department of Human Services.

• Working group must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes and shall be dissolved on June 30, 2020.