Posted: | March 25, 2019 01:13 PM |
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From: | Representative Martina A. White |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Involuntary Substance Use Disorder Treatment |
In the near future, I plan to reintroduce necessary legislation amending the Mental Health Procedures Act to establish that a drug overdose represents a clear and present danger for the purposes of the act. I’m sure you have experienced similar constituent inquiries to the ones that I have heard of, where a patient has rendered themselves in need of medical attention due to a drug overdose, but upon being stabilized medically, was free to leave without addressing the underlying concerns. It is my intent to provide enough time for evaluation of a person’s needs for either mental health or addiction treatment. This epidemic requires much needed lifesaving intervention. I believe we should start the conversation in earnest about what is to be done after the person is rescued from death due to overdose. We cannot continue to ignore this problem. This legislation was introduced last session as House Bill 713. Please consider joining me in co-sponsorship of this needed legislation. |
Introduced as HB1349