Connecticut House Bill HB05162

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/18
• Refer: 2/16/18

Caption

An Act Requiring A Study Of Funding For Mental Health Services.

Impact

The outcomes of this study could lead to significant changes in state laws governing mental health services. By identifying the current gaps in funding and services, the state could be prompted to allocate more resources to ensure adequate treatment options for children. This could involve legislative changes that enhance funding structures or modify existing regulations to facilitate improved access to mental health care. Ultimately, the bill aims to address critical issues surrounding mental health treatment for children and ensure they receive appropriate care when necessary.

Summary

House Bill 05162 is designed to require a comprehensive study regarding the funding of mental health services within the state. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services collaborates with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Children and Families to evaluate the state's funding for mental health facilities and service providers. A particular focus of the study is on assessing the availability of inpatient beds for children facing mental health or substance use disorders and the challenges associated with admitting these children to emergency departments when such inpatient options are not available.

Contention

While the bill is fundamentally focused on improving mental health services, potential points of contention may arise around the implications of funding allocations and the decision-making process about resource distribution. Stakeholders, including mental health advocates and service providers, may have differing opinions on how resources should be prioritized, which could lead to debates about equity in mental health service provision. Furthermore, the coordination between multiple departments could raise questions about efficiency and accountability in implementing the study's recommendations.