Establishing a designated behavioral health access point within the enhanced 911 system.
Impact
The bill amends existing regulations by revising the definitions and responsibilities associated with the 911 system. It introduces the concept of the 'designated behavioral health access point' which acts as a centralized crisis operations center, facilitating a more efficient response to non-emergency situations. This shift in handling such calls is intended to enhance the overall effectiveness of emergency services by reserving traditional emergency responses for more severe situations while ensuring adequate support for mental health crises.
Summary
House Bill 597 establishes a designated behavioral health access point within the enhanced 911 system. This legislative initiative aims to streamline the emergency response for individuals experiencing non-emergent behavioral health crises, such as mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, substance use disorders, or emotional crises. By integrating these strategic resources into the existing 911 framework, the bill seeks to ensure that individuals in need are transferred to appropriate service providers rather than being managed through conventional emergency service protocols.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill, particularly around the adequacy and readiness of the proposed behavioral health services and the potential for increased call volumes. Concerns may also arise over data privacy and how information collected from callers in crises is managed, especially given the context of mental health discussions and public stigma. Additionally, there could be debates on the funding and resources required to support such a system, highlighting the balance between immediate public safety needs and long-term mental health care strategies.
Relative to critical incident stress management team members and establishing a rural and underserved area educator incentive program for higher education and making an appropriation therefor.