Texas House Bill HB628

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an acute psychiatric bed registry to list available beds for the psychiatric treatment of certain individuals.

Impact

The establishment of this registry is expected to have significant implications for individuals seeking psychiatric treatment, as well as for healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies. By providing a centralized database of available psychiatric beds, this bill aims to streamline the process for those in crisis to find appropriate treatment facilities in a timely manner. This is particularly crucial in emergencies, where delay in finding suitable care can result in worsening conditions for individuals seeking help.

Summary

House Bill 628 creates an acute psychiatric bed registry to enhance access to inpatient psychiatric care by listing available beds in facilities located in counties with a population of four million or more. The Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with developing and maintaining this registry, which will be an Internet-based and searchable platform. The information included in the registry will feature details about each facility, including contact information, number of available beds, and security levels, thereby facilitating efficient allocation of mental health resources.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HB 628 represents a significant step toward improving mental health resources availability in Texas. By focusing on acute psychiatric care, the bill aims to create a more responsive system suited for individuals needing immediate attention. However, successful implementation will depend on collaboration among mental health facilities, state agencies, and stakeholders to ensure that the registry operates effectively and can adapt to the changing demands of mental health care.

Contention

While the bill aims to address urgent healthcare needs, discussions around its implementation may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of the infrastructure, data accuracy, and responsiveness of facilities to report bed availability. Moreover, implications for privacy and how data is shared among agencies and the public could spark contention as stakeholders seek to balance transparency and confidentiality. Providers may also express concerns about the administrative burden associated with daily updates to the registry, which could impact operational efficiency.