Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB646 by Deuell (Relating to court-ordered outpatient mental health services.), Committee Report 1st 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. Based on the analysis provided by the Department of State Health Services, it is assumed 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.