HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2524
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to increase awareness of, promotion of education on, and knowledge of mental health problems by requiring law enforcement personnel, correctional officers, and other officials under the department of public safety to receive eight-hour training on mental health first aid triennially.

SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§353C-    Mental health first aid training. (a) The department shall establish a mental health first aid training program for law enforcement, correctional officers, and other public safety officials under the department. The program shall include a mandatory eight-hour interactive training course triennially that teaches the skills necessary to assist a person who is developing or has developed a mental health disorder or mental health crisis, and to de-escalate crisis situations as needed.

(b) The mandatory interactive training shall instruct officials to, at minimum:

(1) Identify signs of mental health crises, illness, and instability;

(2) Identify signs of behavioral and psychological patterns of mental health disorders;

(3) Provide initial assistance to persons with mental health disorders or mental health crises;

(4) Guide individuals requiring assistance toward appropriate professional help;

(5) Provide comfort to persons experiencing mental health disorders or mental health crises;

(6) Assist in preventing a mental health disorder from deteriorating into a more serious condition that may lead to more costly interventions and treatments;

(7) Provide information on and referral to outreach workers who are trained to assist persons with mental health disorders and mental health crises; and

(8) Promote healing, recovery, and good mental health."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

PSD; Mental Health First Aid Training; Mental Health Disorders; Mental Health Crises

Description:

Requires PSD to establish a mental health first aid training program that provides mandatory eight-hour sessions triennially for law enforcement, correctional officers, and other public safety officials under PSD.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.