Texas House Bill HB1662

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to an acute psychiatric bed registry to list available beds for the psychiatric treatment of certain individuals.

Impact

The implementation of the acute psychiatric bed registry is expected to enhance the coordination of mental health resources and streamline the process for law enforcement agencies, mental health facilities, and crisis stabilization units to refer individuals in crisis to appropriate care. By having real-time information about bed availability, these stakeholders can make informed decisions that could ultimately reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes within the mental health system.

Summary

House Bill 1662 establishes an acute psychiatric bed registry aimed at improving access to inpatient psychiatric treatment in Texas, particularly within counties of four million or more residents. The registry is designed to be an internet-based, searchable platform that lists available psychiatric beds, facilitating the identification of suitable facilities for individuals in need of mental health services. It will include essential details such as the name, contact information, number of beds available, types of individuals that can be admitted, and security levels offered by the facilities.

Contention

While the bill aims to address the growing need for mental health resources, there may be concerns regarding the integration of this registry into existing systems and the potential financial implications for psychiatric facilities. Additionally, the requirement for facilities to submit and update bed availability daily might pose logistical challenges. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of funding and support for the ongoing maintenance and promotion of the registry, as well as its effectiveness in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.