Bill Text: IN SCR0007 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Study on involuntary commitment/substance use disorders.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-09 - Returned to the Senate [SCR0007 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2012-SCR0007-Introduced.html
RESOLUTION No. 7
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging the Commission
on Mental Health and Addiction to examine the issue of
involuntary commitment of persons with substance use
disorders.
January 10, 2012, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services
RESOLUTION No. 7
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging the Commission
on Mental Health and Addiction to examine the issue of
involuntary commitment of persons with substance use
disorders.
Whereas, In 2008, the costs to corrections and the judiciary
associated with substance use in Indiana were estimated to be
$1.3 billion and the healthcare costs associated with substance
use in Indiana were estimated to be $4.8 billion;
Whereas, In 2008, Indiana spent only $70 million to reduce
substance use, including, prevention, intervention and
research;
Whereas, Cost-benefit analyses of treatment programs
show that every $1 spent on treatment results in an average of
$7 saved in benefits. These benefits include increased
employment, fewer medical expenses, and decreased crime and
its related expenses;
Whereas, Over 80% of states' corrections budgets are spent
on adults who use substances;
Whereas, Community-based treatment is significantly less
expensive than incarceration. Calculations from other states
estimate an annual savings of nearly $20,000 per inmate;
Whereas, In 2010, approximately twenty-four thousand (24,000) Hoosiers were admitted to a substance abuse treatment program;
Whereas, Indiana code 12-23-11-1 provides that an
individual who is an alcoholic, incapacitated by alcohol, or a
drug abuser may be involuntarily committed to the care of the
division for treatment;
Whereas, Many Hoosiers with substance use disorders are
not aware of substance abuse treatment facility options, nor are
their friends and family members;
Whereas, Further study is necessary to determine the
reasons why more Hoosiers do not take advantage of treatment
options including involuntary commitment: Therefore,
SECTION 1. The Commission on Mental Health and Addiction
will examine the issue of involuntary commitment of persons with
substance use disorders.
SECTION 2. (a) The Commission will examine whether:
(1) the involuntary commitment statute is underutilized,
(2) the state should inform the public, law enforcement, and the
judiciary of the current Indiana laws on involuntary commitment, and
(3) the state has adequate resources to provide treatment for persons
with substance use disorders.
(b) The Commission shall make recommendations in accordance
with this section.
