HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	885
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to health.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the State has developed policies related to emergency examination and hospitalization and assisted community treatment for those in need of mental health intervention. These policies could lead to an improved response to those with severe mental health problems, many of whom live on the streets where they are not safe and may also compromise the safety of others. However, while these policies exist, they are not being implemented fully at this time. These polices can be complex and community training and education are needed to support successful implementation. In addition, implementation of these policies requires an aligned understanding of state laws and related policies and procedures across several professional disciplines to support coordinated and effective intervention.

The legislature further finds that providing funding to develop and implement a comprehensive state-wide annual educational training program regarding these mental health interventions could increase their successful implementation and provide better health outcomes for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises. In providing comprehensive education and training, relevant stakeholders, including community members, will be better informed about involuntary examination and hospitalization, as well as assisted community treatment.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of health to develop and implement statewide media, education, and training activities for policies related to emergency examination and hospitalization and assisted community treatment for those in need of mental health intervention.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 for the development and implementation of statewide media, education, and training activities for policies related to emergency examination and hospitalization and assisted community treatment for those in need of mental health intervention.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Emergency Examination and Hospitalization; Assisted Community Treatment; Statewide Education and Training; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of health to develop and implement statewide media, education, and training activities for policies related to emergency examination and hospitalization and assisted community treatment for those in need of mental health intervention.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.