HB 3197

Abstract

Creates the Suicide Treatment Improvements Act. Provides that all at-risk patients must be provided with one-on-one suicide prevention counseling by the public or private psychiatric facility at which the at-risk patient is being treated. Provides that the services shall be covered by each group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of the Act. Requires all psychiatric facilities to provide suicide prevention counselors who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Provides that specified persons and entities must obtain a history and suicide risk assessment for the person's or entity's at-risk patient from information provided by the at-risk patient and the at-risk patient's caregivers. Provides that if an at-risk patient is admitted to the emergency room of a psychiatric facility, a suicide prevention counselor must immediately assess the at-risk patient and provide specified services. Provides that under no circumstances may a psychiatric facility discharge an at-risk patient into a homeless situation or cause an at-risk patient who is not a threat to others to be sent to a jail. Provides requirements for specified persons and entities to treat and converse with at-risk patients. Provides that all State and local suicide and crisis hotlines must provide suicide prevention counseling and general counseling. Contains provisions regarding law enforcement officers who respond to situations concerning at-risk patients. Provides that violators of the Act may be subject to civil penalties, termination of employment, civil lawsuit, or loss of licensure, certification, or accreditation. Effective July 1, 2021.