H.R. 29 Summary

• Convenes a Behavioral Health Task Force to establish policies and procedures for timely admission of non-forensic behavioral health patients to Hawaii State Hospital.

• Addresses the problem that behavioral health patients cannot access housing programs like Housing First until detoxified and stabilized, while hospital acute care costs $1,900 per day.

• Task force to consider whether Chapter 704, Hawaii Revised Statutes should be amended or whether administrative rules and policies can create additional non-forensic bed capacity.

• Task force membership includes representatives from relevant Senate and House committees, the Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice, Mental Health Court judges, and the Director of the Behavioral Health Administration.

• Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2021 Regular Session convenes.