Tennessee House Bill HB7067

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23
• Refer: 8/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, relative to mental health services.

Impact

If enacted, HB7067 will amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, particularly focusing on Chapter 1, Part 3. Through the pilot project, the bill encourages the development of community-based follow-up services to support the mental health of discharged individuals. The approach includes home visits by mental health professionals to aid in medication management, risk assessments, as well as referrals for further treatment if necessary. By incorporating these services, the bill seeks to reduce the risk of readmission and improve overall community mental health outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 7067 aims to enhance mental health services in Tennessee by establishing a pilot program for home-based mental healthcare. This initiative specifically targets individuals discharged from inpatient treatment facilities after involuntary commitment. The bill empowers the department of mental health and substance abuse services to collaborate with healthcare providers to develop and implement this pilot program, as well as to evaluate its efficacy over time.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the funding and resource allocation for the pilot program. Critics may express concerns over who qualifies for these home-based services and whether adequate support will be provided for each service recipient. The effectiveness of the program relies significantly on the ability of the department to collect and analyze data regarding its outcomes, as well as to report its findings to legislative committees periodically. Furthermore, discussions may arise regarding the engagement of local resources and the potential implications of these practices in various communities.