Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB646 by Deuell (Relating to court-ordered outpatient mental health services.), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 574 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to court-ordered outpatient mental health services. Under the provisions of the bill, within 24 hours after detention begins, a physician would be required to evaluate the patient regarding the risk of serious harm to the patient or others. The bill would also require the local mental health authorities or NorthSTAR, before the probable cause hearing, to address specific areas in their reports to the court pertaining to the proposed program of treatment or services considered clinically necessary. The bill would repeal Sections 574.034(i) and 574.035(j), which authorize a judge to advise, although not compel, certain treatments. The bill would require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to submit a report to the legislature not later than December 1, 2016 about the persons receiving court-ordered outpatient mental health services in this state and the effectiveness of those services. DSHS indicates that the provisions of the bill can be implemented within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.