Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 156, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Health to convene a working group to evaluate and recommend possible statutory and other changes to streamline and expedite mental health treatment to persons committed to state-operated or –contracted facilities.

Your Committee finds that administering involuntary medication is a very controversial issue, but warrants consideration as it would help protect the public and make sure that those who need treatment receive it.

Involuntary treatment is appropriate and necessary for a subset of patients who are often younger, stronger, and more violent than other patients are. Some mental illnesses increase the risk of violence, especially among patients with neurological impairments and psychosis. Currently, patients committed under Chapter 704, Hawaii Revised Statutes, arrive at the Hawaii State Hospital without orders to administer medications that would help them. As a result, the Director of Health must seek judicial authority for involuntary medication, which may be delayed for various reasons, resulting in increased risks to the patient and hospital staff. This measure would help improve treatment and make the hospital safer for everyone.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 156, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.