Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act: veteran and military data reporting.
Impact
The legislation intends to strengthen the 988 crisis services by ensuring that essential data regarding the veteran population is collected and analyzed. This amendment is significant as it aligns with the existing federal efforts under the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, which designates 988 as the universal access number for mental health crisis intervention. By focusing on veteran and military data, AB 988 seeks to address gaps in service delivery and improve responsiveness to those with specific needs.
Summary
Assembly Bill 988, known as the Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act, focuses on enhancing mental health crisis services within California. The bill amends existing law by requiring the annual expenditure and outcomes report submitted by entities accessing funds from the 988 State Suicide and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Fund to include data on individuals who identify as veterans or active military personnel. The intention is to ensure that the unique needs of this demographic are addressed within the crisis services framework.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding AB 988 appears to be largely positive, with recognition of the importance of mental health support, particularly for veterans. Legislators from both parties have expressed support for enhancing the 988 system, which is seen as a critical lifeline for individuals in crisis. There is an acknowledgment of the need for dedicated resources to help those who have served in the military, contributing to a broader understanding of mental health issues.
Contention
While the bill has generally received support, there may be concerns about the allocation and sufficiency of funding for the 988 services in light of increasing demands. Questions may arise regarding how effectively the bill's provisions can be implemented and whether the intended focus on veterans' data will yield actionable outcomes. Critics could argue about the prioritization of data collection over direct service provision, and how this might impact the resources directed to actual crisis intervention.
Relating to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; to require the Department of Mental Health to develop, administer, and adopt rules relating to Alabama's Crisis System of Care; to create the Alabama 988 Crisis Care Fund; to provide for the collection and use of a statewide surcharge on certain communication service connections; to create the 988 Commission to provide oversight to the fund; and to protect certain communication service providers from certain liability.
Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.
Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.