MENTAL HEALTH
Tom Killmond, PA-C
House Bill 281 (passed) requires inmates with a mental illness to receive medication for that illness upon release, requires MHA to compensate case managers for initial assessments of specified inmates, and requires specified reports and plans.
Senate Bill 646/House Bill 640 (both passed) restrict the use of restraints and seclusions for use only during an emergency in which the behavior of the individual places the individual or others at serious threat of violence or injury.
House Bill 1046 (passed) requires the Maryland State Department of Education, in collaboration with DHMH, to provide awareness and training on self-mutilation, including injury by cutting, for directors of student services in local school systems.
Senate Bill 472 (passed) specifies that all court records relating to a petition for an emergency evaluation of an individual believed to have a mental disorder and who presents a danger to the life or safety of the individual or others are confidential and the contents of the records may not be divulged, by subpoena or otherwise, except by court order on good cause shown. This does not prohibit review of the court record relating to a petition by specified individuals. An emergency evaluation petition must be considered a mental health record and may be released by a health care provider only as permitted by law.
House Bill 524 (passed) The Mental Health Transformation Working Group, in collaboration with the Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA) and the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, is required by House Bill 524 to convene a Workgroup on Cultural Competency and Workforce Development for Mental Health Professionals to examine and make recommendations regarding certain barriers to access to culturally competent mental health services and providers