Chief Patron

Sen. John Edwards (D-Roanoke)

John Edwards (D-Roanoke)
Served: 1996–

Status

02/13/2008: Failed to Pass in Committee
View Entire History

Summary

Crisis intervention pilot programs for persons with mental illness.  Permits the Department of Criminal Justice Services to establish crisis intervention team pilot programs in areas of the state by January 1, 2009. The crisis intervention team pilot programs shall assist law-enforcement officers in responding to crisis situations involving persons with mental illness, substance abuse problems, or both. By November 1, 2008, the Department shall submit to the Joint Commission on Health Care a report outlining the plan for the program. The Department, in consultation with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, shall establish a training program for all persons involved in the crisis intervention team pilot programs. Each crisis intervention team shall develop a protocol that permits law-enforcement officers to release from custody persons whom they encounter in crisis situations when the crisis intervention team has determined the person is sufficiently stable. The Department shall evaluate and report annually to the Joint Commission on Health Care on the impact and effectiveness of the crisis intervention team pilot programs.