67th Legislature HJ 39.1
1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39
2 INTRODUCED BY D. TENENBAUM
3
4 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
5 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF THE USE OF INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS FOR
6 INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE OR OTHER DEMENTIAS; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL
7 RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 68TH LEGISLATURE.
8
9 WHEREAS, the Montana Alzheimer's and Dementia State Plan predicts that based on the current
10 prevalence rates of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, the number of Alzheimer's and dementia cases
11 in Montana could more than double between 2012 and 2060, from 24,275 to 59,761; and
12 WHEREAS, the state plan notes that community-based facilities are often unable to accept or continue
13 serving people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias when the individuals also have difficult behavioral
14 issues; and
15 WHEREAS, the state plan also notes that the Montana State Hospital is not only the most expensive
16 level of treatment but also the most restrictive environment and often the least appropriate setting for individuals
17 with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
18
19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
20 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
21 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
22 committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to study the involuntary commitment process as it relates to
23 individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study look at:
25 (1) the number of people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias who are committed to the
26 Montana State Hospital;
27 (2) the alternative settings for placement of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias
28 who have significant behavioral issues;
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1 (3) gaps in availability of alternative settings and measures that could alleviate the gaps; and
2 (4) other steps that could reduce or eliminate the use of involuntary commitment to the Montana State
3 Hospital for individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
4 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include input from appropriate stakeholders.
5 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
6 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.
7 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
8 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 68th Legislature.
9 - END -
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