Ray, Smith Introduce Legislation to Ensure Mental Health Access

COLUMBUS— State Representatives Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) and Monique Smith (D-Fairview Park) introduced House Bill 602, which would ensure mental health access for all those who voluntarily seek help. 

The bill would require public hospitals to designate at least 5% of their inpatient capacity for persons who seek voluntary admission for mental health purposes.

“It is not easy to voluntarily seek out mental health assistance, and those who do should not be turned down due to a lack of capacity,” said Smith. “We need to ensure hospitals are prepared and able to offer those seeking admission the help they deserve.”

“It’s the right thing to do,” Ray said. “If someone is seeking help in the midst of a mental crisis, we need to ensure our health care professionals have the capacity to provide treatment and potentially save lives.”

House Bill 562 also calls for a person admitted into that designated capacity to receive the following, as determined appropriate by the hospital's chief clinical officer:

·         Up to 24 hours of stabilization;

·         Up to 72 hours for observation, diagnosis, care or treatment.

The hospitals may waive the requirement when circumstances warrant, namely during public health emergencies, mass casualty events or other similar emergencies.  They may also comply with the law if facilities have the capacity, or can make space available, within 24 hours.

HB 602 awaits an assignment to a House Committee.