House Passes Far-Reaching Mental Health Bill

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House Passes Far-Reaching Mental Health Bill

By Kelly Kearsley

The Associated Press

 

Thursday 14 April 2005

 

Olympia, WA - The House approved a far-reaching, pricey mental

health bill Thursday that would dramatically reform the state's

approach to mental illness and chemical dependency, which sometimes

go hand in hand.

 

" This is a very aggressive bill, but one I feel is long overdue

for the mental health and chemical dependency programs in the state, "

said Rep. Cody, D-Seattle.

 

The House voted 73-22 in favor of the bill, which the Senate

passed last month. Because the House amended the bill, it now heads

back to the Senate for a vote on the changes.

 

The bill's primary goal is integration of screening and

treatment for mental illness and for drug and alcohol addiction.

 

Sen. Jim Hargrove, the bill's sponsor, was pleased to see it

clear the House.

 

" This is probably the most significant reform and enhancement of

the mental health, drug and alcohol treatment system in this state

ever, " the Hoquiam Democrat said.

 

By improving the system so people get the treatment they need,

Hargrove has said the reforms could save the state $80 billion over

the next 20 years in jail costs, hospital expenses, law enforcement

and social services.

 

Some House Republicans choked on the package's $90 million to

$140 million price tag, saying it would be irresponsible to pass the

bill without having the money to pay for it.

 

" The problem is, this is very costly, " said Rep. Barbara Bailey,

R-Oak Harbor. " We don't have money to do this right now and do this

in its present form. "

 

Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, said while he also has concerns

about the costs, the state can't keep ignoring chronic problems in

its mental health and drug and alcohol treatment system.

 

Most of the bill's provisions will take effect only if the

Legislature provides money in the budget. The state faces a $1.6

billion budget shortfall over the next two years, plus cuts in

federal mental health funding.

 

Hargrove said he hoped lawmakers would find a way to finance the

legislation during budget negotiations, which are under way. Gov.

Christine Gregoire, who participates in the budget talks and must

sign legislation before it becomes law, has not yet assessed the

proposal, said Marty Brown, her legislative affairs director.

 

One provision of the bill would suspend Medicaid eligibility for

people in jail. Currently, Medicaid recipients lose benefits if they

are jailed and have to reapply when they're released. Restoring

benefits can take months, which can leave mentally ill people without

treatment options.

 

Treatment for jail inmates varies by county.

 

The Senate passed a bill Thursday evening that reorganizes the

state's regional support networks, which provide local mental health

services, in an effort to make them more efficient.

 

" We're all very concerned with getting the most efficient use of

these resources. We know there's not enough as it is, " Hargrove said.

The bill complements the mental health bill passed by the House.

--

 

 

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