HB 5113

Abstract

Creates the Improving Access to State-operated Mental Health Facilities Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health, shall provide education and training on an annual basis for all psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who provide care to forensic patients in State-operated mental health facilities utilizing nationally recognized best practices for determining when forensic patients are no longer, due to mental illness, reasonably expected to inflict serious physical harm upon themselves or others or when they may be safely restored to fitness to stand trial and subject to treatment on an outpatient basis under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that the Division shall also provide training to psychiatrists and clinical psychologists concerning how to provide expert testimony in court hearings to determine whether forensic patients should be released. Provides that the Division shall provide education and training on an annual basis for all clinical social workers who provide care to forensic patients in State-operated mental health facilities concerning the types of community mental health services available in the community. Defines "forensic patient" as a person in an Illinois State-operated mental health facility who has been committed to the facility after having been found not guilty by reason of insanity or unfit to stand trial. Defines other terms. Effective immediately.