Relating to the Hill Country local mental health authority crisis stabilization unit.
Impact
The bill's impact primarily focuses on enhancing mental health services in the Hill Country region of Texas. By establishing a crisis stabilization unit, HB 1678 aims to provide immediate support to individuals facing mental health crises, ensuring that appropriate care is available locally. This facility is also intended to alleviate some burden on the Kerrville State Hospital, allowing it to focus on more severe cases while providing a specific resource for crisis intervention at the community level.
Summary
House Bill 1678 establishes a crisis stabilization unit under the Hill Country local mental health authority. This legislation amends Section 551.009 of the Health and Safety Code to remove previous pilot project designations and instead sets forth provisions for the establishment of a dedicated 16-bed facility. The unit will be located on the grounds of the Kerrville State Hospital, providing essential mental health services to stabilize individuals in crisis and prevent hospitalization when possible.
Contention
While the bill seems to garner support for its intent to improve mental health care, notable points of contention could arise regarding funding and resource allocation. The local mental health authority is required to contract with Kerrville State Hospital for various services to operate the unit, which raises questions about the adequacy of funding and the potential for service quality. Additionally, as this unit will operate within an already existing health facility, there could be concerns regarding the integration of services and the potential impact on the hospital's operations.
Relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting, services, and programs.
Relating to the provision of behavioral health crisis services, including the establishment of crisis centers and mobile crisis teams; authorizing a fee.
Relating to procedures applicable to the emergency detention of a person with mental illness at a mental health facility, including the detention, transportation, and transfer of the person and to certain best practices for courts with jurisdiction over emergency mental health matters.
Relating to the establishment or expansion of behavioral health centers or jail diversion centers in certain local mental health authority service areas.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.