HB 3198

Abstract

Creates the Suicide Treatment Improvements Act. Provides that specified persons and entities shall require suicide prevention counselors on the person or entity's staff to perform specified suicide prevention services. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require each suicide hotline and crisis hotline in the State to identify callers who are or may be suicidal. Provides for penalties for noncompliance with an order of the Department. Provides that services provided under the Act 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 Act's effective date. Provides that each county and municipal law enforcement officer shall annually complete at least 2 hours of in-service training on the appropriate response to emergencies that involve a person who is or may be suicidal. Requires the governing body of each county to appoint a suicide prevention response coordinator to perform specified actions. Provides that suicide prevention counselors dispatched to an emergency scene shall have specified duties. Provides that PSAP call-takers shall evaluate and determine whether a request for emergency services involves a person who is or may be suicidal. Requires specified agencies to adopt rules to implement specified provisions of the Act. Contains other provisions. Amends the Department of State Police Law. Requires the Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator to develop comprehensive guidelines and adopt rules and standards for the handling of suicide or suicide calls by Public Safety Answering Point telecommunicators. Contains suicide training requirements for PSAP telecommunicators. Effective July 1, 2021.