The bill establishes the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, to enhance access to mental health services in the region. It sets forth the operational framework for the hospital, which will comply with existing state hospital regulations, and creates the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital Fee Fund to manage its financial resources. The Secretary for Aging and Disability Services is authorized to oversee the establishment and maintenance of related facilities, including an extension to the state security hospital for the treatment of court-committed mentally ill individuals. Additionally, the bill amends various sections of existing law, particularly K.S.A. 21-5413, to introduce specific provisions and penalties for battery against law enforcement officers, school employees, mental health employees, and healthcare providers, thereby enhancing legal protections for these groups.

The bill also revises definitions and provisions related to the care and treatment of individuals in mental health facilities, introducing terms such as "neglect," "exploitation," and "fiduciary abuse." It updates the definitions of "catchment areas" for state psychiatric hospitals, allowing for adjustments based on population changes, and emphasizes the importance of community-based mental health services. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the roles of healthcare providers, particularly those in residency training, and outlines the use of funds for community-based alcoholism and intoxication treatment programs. It streamlines the involuntary commitment process for individuals with substance abuse issues, establishes procedures for guardians to admit individuals to treatment facilities, and clarifies the definition of "medically indigent." Overall, the bill aims to improve mental health care access, enhance protections for vulnerable populations, and ensure that legal definitions and regulations are current and effective.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5413, 39-1401, 39-1602, 39-1613, 40-3401, 39-923, 75-6102, 41-1126, 59-2006b, 59-2946, 59-3051, 59-29b46, 59-29b54, 59-29b57, 59-29b59, 59-3077, 39-2001, 65-4921, 65-5601, 74-3292, 65-241, 75-3099, 75-3373, 76-384, 76-12a01, 76-12a31, 76-1407, 76-1409, 76-1409a, 76-1936, 76-1958
As Amended by House Committee: 21-5413, 39-1401, 39-1602, 39-1613, 40-3401, 39-923, 75-6102, 41-1126, 59-2006b, 59-2946, 59-3051, 59-29b46, 59-29b54, 59-29b57, 59-29b59, 59-3077, 39-2001, 65-4921, 65-5601, 74-3292, 65-241, 75-3099, 75-3373, 76-384, 76-12a01, 76-12a31, 76-1407, 76-1409, 76-1409a, 76-1936, 76-1958