The bill amends the Mental Health Code to enhance the operations of community mental health services programs, specifically regarding preadmission screening units. It mandates that these units must be available 24/7 to assess individuals considered for voluntary admission to hospitals or crisis services. The bill specifies that mental health professionals or licensed social workers must conduct these screenings, and it introduces a requirement for timely assessments, stating that individuals must be assessed within three hours of a request. If the preadmission screening unit cannot meet this timeframe, a clinically qualified individual may perform the assessment instead. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for second opinions if hospitalization is denied, ensuring that individuals have access to further evaluation.

Furthermore, the bill establishes minimum standards for certifying crisis stabilization units, which include requirements for emergency receiving functions, voluntary and involuntary admissions, and prohibitions against misrepresenting the unit as a hospital. It also emphasizes the need for proper discharge planning and outlines standards for billing and reimbursement for services, particularly for uninsured or underinsured individuals. The changes aim to improve the quality of mental health services and ensure that individuals receive appropriate care in a timely manner. The act will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 330.1409, 330.1972