We’ve seen the tragedy that can occur when the mentally ill don’t get the care they need. Tuesday afternoon, Governor Inslee approved several measures to improve mental health care and make Washington a safer place.
Among the reforms is Rep. Tami Green’s bill to speed-up the implementation of changes to the involuntary treatment law – funding the updates two years ahead of schedule.
“It’s a myth that all mentally ill people are dangerous – but as a nurse who deals with the mentally ill, I know we must treat severe mental illness quickly and correctly,” said Rep. Green. “You can’t ignore the problem and hope nothing bad happens to that patient, their family or their neighborhood. This is a smart reform that will protect patients and communities.”
Governor Inslee signs SB 5480 into law earlier this week.
Back in 2010, the Legislature OK’d new parameters for the involuntary commitment of people with pressing mental health issues. Often after a tragedy, we hear from family members or a close friend who admits that they could see the capacity for violence – just not when or where it would occur.
The new approach takes important input from family members and friends into consideration when making a decision to commit. It also allows decision makers to take a close look at a person’s history of mental health behavior.
Other measures approved by Governor Inslee include:
- House Bill 1114: Introduced by Rep. Jamie Pedersen, fills the gap between the criminal justice system and mental health care providers. It ensures that violent mental health offenders get the treatment they need, instead of ending up on the streets.
- House Bill 1519: A Rep. Eileen Cody bill to bring accountability to the behavioral health delivery system. It requires consistent performance outcomes for contract ensuring that individuals receiving will receive the best and most efficient care.
- Senate Bill 5732: Another Green bill, SB 5732 will build a bridge between hospitals and the community for the mentally ill. It creates a step down from state hospitals – which will provide an important service to folks beginning to transition back into day-to-day life. This isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the cost-effective approach.
- Senate Bill 5551: A Rep. Dawn Morrell bill to give county jails the tools they need to meet the growing demand for competency evaluations. Our county jails aren’t mental health care providers and, without adequate care, the mentally ill deteriorate rapidly in jail.
The reforms will take effect later this summer.