ABA2153A9E52230B872583E70079356E Hearing Summary

Representatives Landgraf and Esgar, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-222, concerning the improvement of access to behavioral health services for individuals at risk of institutionalization.  Representative Landgraf explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Esgar provided further input on the effect of the bill. Representative Esgar responded to questions regarding a federal waiver required to conduct the bill's programming.

Representatives Landgraf and Weissman, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-223, concerning actions related to competency to proceed. The bill is a companion bill with SB 19-222. The sponsors explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment B).

The following persons testified regarding SB 19-222 and SB 19-223:

Ms. Nancy VanDeMark, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of both bills. She discussed the need to better provide services to those with mental health issues.

Ms. Allison Daley, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of SB 19-222. She explained how counties often serve as the safety net for those with mental health issues.

Ms. Alison Butler, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of SB 19-222 and SB 19-223. Ms. Butler discussed a lawsuit launched by her organization that gave rise to the bills, and the effect of the bills. Ms. Butler and Ms. VanDerMark responded to questions regarding the inclusion of youth within the scope of the bills, and the restoration services to be provided under SB 19-223. Discussion ensued regarding the availability of psychiatric inpatient treatment beds under the legislation, and evaluations made under SB 19-223.

Ms. Michelle Barnes, representing the Department of Human Services (DHS), testified in support of SB 19-222 and SB 19-223.

Dr. Robert Werthwein, representing DHS, testified in support of the bills. Dr. Werthwein addressed questions raised during earlier discussion.

Dr. Sasha Rai, representing the Colorado Psychiatric Society, testified in support of the bills. He discussed the lack of capacity to serve the mentally ill.

Mr. Frank Cornelia, representing the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, testified in support of the bills. He provided background on the safety net for the mentally ill, and explained the improvements to be made by the bill. Dr. Werthwein responded to questions regarding expanded bed capacity within DHS, and further addressed earlier questions. Discussion ensued regarding bed capacity.

Ms. Patricia Westmoreland, representing the Colorado Psychiatric Society, testified in support of SB 19-222 and SB 19-223.

No amendments were offered to SB 19-222. Representative Landgraf provided closing remarks in support of the bill. The committee discussed the merits of the legislation.