Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-04-27 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-04-27 Senate Journal Page 3096 SB 364 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 364 "An Act relating to liability for expenses of placement in certain mental health facilities; relating to the mental health treatment assistance program; and providing for an effective date" and recommended the adoption of the Health, Education and Social Services Committee Substitute offered on page 2774. The Finance Committee further recommended the adoption of the following Health, Education and Social Services Committee Letter of Intent: Letter of Intent It is the intent of the legislature that the Department of Health and Social Services continue to develop and support a continuum of mental health care that includes community-based outpatient and supportive services, community hospital-based inpatient evaluation and treatment services, and tertiary mental health care through the Alaska Psychiatric Institute. In developing this system the Department of Health and Social Services shall be guided by the principles that mental health services should be clinically appropriate, cost effective, offered in the least restrictive setting available, and provided as close to the client's home as possible. It is further the intent of the legislature that in the event of a shortfall in appropriations for mental health evaluation and treatment at community hospitals to stabilize persons experiencing a psychiatric emergency or crisis, and who meet the criteria for involuntary commitment under AS 47.30.700 - AS 47.30.915, the Department of Health and Social Services shall make every effort to identify additional financing sources or reallocate appropriations available for the purpose from lesser priorities to continue these important services for the remainder of the fiscal year. Signing do pass: Senators Green, Wilken, Cochairs; Senators Bunde, Ben Stevens. Signing do not pass: Senator Hoffman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Dyson. Signing amend: Senator Olson. 2004-04-27 Senate Journal Page 3097 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.