THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2885 |
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to homelessness.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that homeless individuals suffering from behavioral health conditions are often high users of the hospital emergency departments, which costs the State's health system millions of dollars each year for emergency ambulance transportation and emergency mental health evaluations. Providing appropriate care for these individuals requires clinical expertise to evaluate their physical and mental impairments and to assist in overcoming barriers to access proper medical treatment and resources to meet the basic needs like food, hygiene, safety, and transportation.
"Triage" is recognized as an evidence-based practice to end the cycle of homelessness and provides assessment of a person's disorders, need for medication-assisted detoxification, and timely psychiatric treatment. The lack of a triage service has been a major gap in the State's system of behavioral health care for homeless persons and others with mental illness or substance abuse issues. When a person is ready and seeking treatment, they should be able to access it immediately. This is particularly true for those who suffer from substance use disorders for whom the window of contemplation about the benefits of treatment is often brief and fleeting. The safety and constant supervision available in a triage center is a stark contrast to the chaos and vulnerability individuals experience on the street. Trauma informed services in the community fosters active client participation and support, which are critical to effective engagement in treatment and in patient retention.
The legislature also finds that the 'Imi Ola Piha Homeless Triage Center (HTC), piloted by the Institute for Human Services and operating since June 5, 2023, has been successful in moving homeless from the street to permanent housing. Within six months of operation, through collaborating with police, outreach specialists, and other community providers, the eight-bed service site has triaged over one hundred fifty referrals. Of the eighty-three clients in intake, the HTC has detoxed sixty-three clients and stabilized the mental illness of thirty-five clients. The HTC has also transitioned those detoxed and stabilized into housing or shelter, enabling continued treatment in the community.
The successful pilot program can do more to reduce the cost of restoring homeless persons to normalcy and independence. According to Oahu's 2023 Point in Time Count, there are 1,602 homeless persons reporting substance abuse or mental health issues. The average cost of detoxification per year is $1,536 for outpatients and $58,810 for residential patients, while the cost for emergency transport and treatment total $3,633 per year. Saving 1,602 patients from outpatient rehab visits or diverting them from emergency medical treatment could save the State upwards of $2,460,672 and $5,820,066, respectively.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Establish a triage center program for homeless individuals within the statewide office of homelessness and housing solutions in the department of human services; and
(2) Appropriate funds to the department of human services to implement the triage center program.
SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§346- Statewide office of homelessness and
housing solutions; triage center program; establishment. (a) The department of human
services shall establish a triage center program within the statewide office of
homelessness and housing solutions that focuses on serving homeless individuals
with substance abuse issues or mental illness.
(b) The triage center program shall provide:
(1) Access to emergency food, shelter, housing
navigation, and supportive services, twenty-four hours per day, seven days per
week;
(2) Case management services;
(3) Medical assessments;
(4) Substance abuse treatment and
detoxification services;
(5) Behavioral health services; and
(6) Trauma-informed, cultural-based life
skills groups for shelter guests to maximize engagement and retention.
(c) The statewide office of homelessness and
housing solutions shall work in cooperation with local hospitals,
rehabilitation facilities, law enforcement agencies, and homeless service
providers in establishing the triage center program.
(d) The statewide office of homelessness and housing solutions may contract with facilities that provide comprehensive triage services to homeless individuals suffering from mental or substance abuse problems to carry out the triage center program."
SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:
(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and
(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 to implement the triage center program established pursuant to section 2 of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
DHS; Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions; Homeless Triage Center Program; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a Homeless Triage Center Program within the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions in the Department of Human Services. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.