STAND. COM. REP. NO. 313-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 35

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 35, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Department of Health to use monies in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Special Fund for capital improvements related to crisis stabilization beds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, a member of the Hawaii County Council, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Mental Health America of Hawaii, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that short-term residential stabilization beds, also known as crisis stabilization beds, provide a sub-acute level of care for individuals whose behavioral health issues do not meet medically necessary criteria for acute hospitalization but whose presentation and current medical status are not conducive or appropriate for community-based services such as low intensity residential or outpatient services. This measure enables monies in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Special Fund to be used to support new capital improvement projects, including crisis stabilization beds, and sustain existing program operations, which will enhance the State's current care continuum.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 35, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair