HI HB933

Establishes a crisis intervention and diversion program within the Department of Health to redirect individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and toward appropriate health care services.

Authorizes the Department of Health to lease or acquire a crisis center to evaluate and treat patients in mental health crises and refer them to appropriate service providers.

Adds definitions for "crisis center" (psychiatric urgent care facility for mental health crises) and "crisis intervention officer" (trained officer certified to recognize and communicate with persons in mental health crisis).

Amends emergency examination procedures to allow law enforcement to call on crisis intervention officers in addition to mental health emergency workers, and permits transport to crisis centers as well as psychiatric facilities.

Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2020-2021 (amount not specified in text) contingent on dollar-for-dollar private sector matching; program sunsets June 30, 2023.