THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	563
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
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.  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 crisis, and to deescalate crisis situations as needed.  The mandatory interactive training shall instruct officials to, at minimum:

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

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

     (3)  Provide initial assistance to a person with a mental health disorder;

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

     (5)  Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health disorder;

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

     (7)  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:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Public Safety; Mental Health First Aid Training

 

Description:

Requires the department of public safety to establish a mental health first aid training program that includes mandatory eight-hour sessions triennially for law enforcement personnel, correctional officers, and other public safety officials under the department to teach skills used for identifying and assisting individuals with mental health disorders and crises.

 

 

 

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