Bill Text: WV SCR22 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study involuntary commitment process
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-02 - To Judiciary [SCR22 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2012-SCR22-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 22
(By Senators Stollings, Williams, Yost and Klempa)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the involuntary commitment process in West Virginia and the need to update the process, making it more efficient and effective for all involved parties.
Whereas, This Legislature recognizes the process of involuntary commitment is an important part of West Virginia’s Behavioral Health System; and
Whereas, The Comprehensive Behavioral Health Commission and its Advisory Board have recognized that the process as it now stands is not as effective as would be desirable; and
Whereas, The Commission and Advisory Board have focused specifically on the use of a three-day observation period with no treatment approach, the lack of timeliness of the process, and most importantly the need for more attention to the human aspect of the process; and
Whereas, The overall process has not been reviewed in detail for decades; and
Whereas, The complexity and dynamics of the process requires a comprehensive study, including analysis and development of the right improvements and reviewing the effective models employed in other states; and
Whereas, The Comprehensive Behavioral Health Commission stands ready to participate in the interim study; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the involuntary commitment process in West Virginia and the need to update the process, making it more efficient and effective for all involved parties; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2013, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.