H.B. 1665 Summary

• Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system by adding new provisions to Chapter 334, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

• Requires the Department of Health to designate one or more crisis hotline centers to provide 24/7 crisis intervention and care coordination for individuals calling the 988 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline.

• Mandates crisis hotline centers maintain active agreements with the national suicide prevention lifeline network, comply with operational standards, and coordinate with mental health providers, emergency medical services, and local crisis resources.

• Requires the State to provide onsite mobile crisis teams composed of licensed behavioral health professionals and peers, with law enforcement co-responders included only for high-risk situations.

• Directs the State to fund crisis receiving and stabilization services for uninsured individuals and those whose insurance does not cover such services; requires the Department to submit annual reports to the legislature on 988 hotline usage and services.