Establishes procedures for intake and record keeping of certain 9-1-1 calls.
Impact
If enacted, A1494 will amend current emergency response protocols by integrating mental health considerations into the dispatch process. By requiring PSAP call-takers to inquire about possible emotional or behavioral disorders, the bill seeks to promote understanding and preparedness among first responders. This can moderately reshape legislative standards governing emergency care and responses, fostering a systemic approach to mental health that emphasizes its importance within emergency services.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1494 establishes new procedures for handling 9-1-1 calls that involve individuals believed to be suffering from emotional or behavioral disorders. The bill mandates that call-takers at public safety answering points (PSAPs) ask specific questions to determine if the caller's request for emergency services relates to this demographic. This measure aims to ensure that first responders—both law enforcement and emergency service providers—are adequately informed about potential mental health issues present in a situation before they arrive on scene, thereby enhancing safety for all parties involved.
Contention
While the bill aims to protect vulnerable populations and enhance the safety of first responders, there may be concerns around its implementation. Critics could argue that increasing the responsibility of call-takers may lead to delays in emergency response times. Furthermore, the bill could also raise privacy concerns regarding the collection and retention of records linked to individuals with mental health disorders. Balancing the need for effective emergency services while safeguarding sensitive information is likely to be a point of debate as discussions surrounding the bill unfold.
Boards and commissions, state 911 Board, certification of public safety telecommunications, duties of telecommicators further provided, reasonable alternative method for responding to emergency calls, further provided, Sec. 11-98-11 am'd.
In 911 emergency communication services, further providing for definitions, for telecommunications management and for counties, providing for addressing authorities and for next generation 911 call delivery, further providing for 911 system plan, for fund, for payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by providers of 911 communications services, for payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by sellers of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, for telephone records, for penalty, for immunity and for shared residential MLTS service, repealing provisions relating to business MLTS, to shared communications services, to temporary residence and to local notification, further providing for ALI database maintenance, repealing provisions relating to dialing instructions and further providing for MLTS signaling, for termination and for prohibited release of information.