Relating to disaster behavioral health coordination and response.
Impact
If enacted, HB281 would aim to amend existing regulations concerning disaster management by emphasizing the behavioral health aspect of emergency responses. This would likely lead to a clearer structure within state law regarding how mental health services are integrated into disaster planning and recovery phases. The bill would also facilitate training for emergency responders to better understand and address the psychological needs of those affected by disasters, ultimately aiming to mitigate mental health crises in affected populations.
Summary
House Bill 281 addresses the coordination and response related to disaster behavioral health services. This bill recognizes the need for a systematic approach to manage mental health during and after disasters, tapping into the growing concern over the psychological impact that such events have on communities. The bill seeks to outline clear protocols and establish communication channels among state and local agencies ensuring that behavioral health resources are effectively mobilized when emergencies arise, thereby enhancing overall disaster preparedness and response.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB281 could stem from the allocation of resources towards behavioral health services over other disaster response necessities. Critics may argue about the effectiveness of prioritizing mental health in disaster responses when physical needs, such as shelter and safety, are immediate. Moreover, discussions could arise regarding the adequacy of funding for implementing the proposed changes, and whether local agencies have sufficient capacity to incorporate these requirements without overextending their existing resources.
Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.
Relating to disaster response and preparedness, including required training for justices of the peace and responding to mass fatality events; requiring a license; authorizing a fee.
Relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting, services, and programs.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.