HB 5832 Summary

• Establishes new Chapter 9A authorizing certification of crisis stabilization units (CSUs) as community-based alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization, operated by psychiatric or general hospitals under department standards.

• Requires CSUs to provide short-term crisis services including assessment, stabilization, and psychiatric supervision with maximum length of stay limits and discharge planning to appropriate care levels within 72 hours.

• Creates grant programs: up to $150,000 annually per high school for substance use disorder counselors and recovery staff, and up to $150,000 per recovery community organization for recovery support services.

• Exempts CSUs from certificate of need requirements and mandates accreditation within 3 years from Joint Commission, CARF International, or comparable organization approved by the director.

• Establishes independent departmental complaint process for CSU patients separate from providers, and extends immunity from liability to preadmission screening and crisis stabilization units for good faith determinations unless gross negligence or willful misconduct.