North Dakota House Bill HCR3017

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Report Pass: 2/20/23
• Engrossed: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/3/23
• Report Pass: 3/23/23
• Enrolled: 4/7/23
• Passed: 4/19/23

Caption

A concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Management to consider studying the increasing need for inpatient mental health care for children and whether there are adequate home- and community-based care and outpatient services for the number of children and the location of need.

Impact

The resolution is expected to provide essential data that will inform future legislative actions concerning mental health care for minors. It aims to tackle the discrepancies in the availability of services versus the actual need, shining a light on the children who are currently on waiting lists or are being denied treatment due to lack of resources. By studying the costs associated with providing these services within the state and identifying the financial burdens on families, the resolution aims to inform more effective resource allocation and policy adjustments.

Summary

HCR3017 is a concurrent resolution aimed at addressing the increasing need for inpatient mental health care for children in North Dakota. The resolution directs the Legislative Management to conduct a thorough study that will assess the availability of various mental health services for children, including inpatient, home-based, and community-based options. The initiative highlights a growing concern regarding the challenges faced by families seeking appropriate mental health care for their children, particularly those who are currently forced to look outside the state due to service shortages.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around HCR3017 is one of urgency and necessity. Legislators and advocates alike recognize the critical gaps in mental health care for children and express a collective desire to find viable solutions. The resolution has garnered support from stakeholders concerned about children’s mental health outcomes, although some may argue about the feasibility and funding of potential recommendations that arise from the study.

Contention

While HCR3017 itself is more of a directive for a study than a prescriptive bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the methods and funding of the proposed study as well as the implementation of the recommendations. Discussions could include different approaches to mental health care, potential costs, and strategies for community engagement. Legislative discussions may also reflect on the varying opinions on how best to address the immediate need for services versus long-term systemic changes.