The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 485 concerning psychiatric crisis intervention authored by Sens. Crider and Becker. The bill amends the date for FSSA to report on comprehensive psychiatric crisis intervention services and requires DMHA to establish a psychiatric crisis intervention pilot program in at least 3 locations in rural and urban areas. DMHA is also responsible for evaluating the pilot programs based on recidivism, sustainability, resource investment, cost effectiveness, clinical outcomes, ability to provide 24-hour walk-in crisis services, and ability to provide mental health and substance use disorder inpatient services. The bill also requests appropriations for these programs.
Those testifying in favor included: Executive VP of Behavioral Health with Community Health Network; doctor and Director of Operations for Community Health Network; Criminal Justice Director for NAMI; Indiana Community Mental Health Center Network; Mental Health America of Indiana; VP Indiana Hospital Association; and the Indiana Psychological Association. The bill passed 6-0 and was recommitted to the Appropriations Committee.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/senate/485.