WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

B 25-0692

Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act of 2024

25th Council Period (2023-2024) Introduced by Christina Henderson

Expands DC's crisis response and refines hospitalization rules to improve timely access to care during mental health crises while protecting patients' rights.

Final Reading, CC
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · B 25-0692

Summary — B 25-0692: Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act of 2024

Status and procedural history
- Introduced: February 5, 2024 (Councilmember Henderson)
- Referred to: Committee on Health (Feb 6, 2024)
- Public hearings and mark‑ups: Multiple notices and hearings between April and July 2024; committee mark‑up November 18, 2024
- Committee report filed: November 20, 2024 (Health Committee)
- First Reading: December 3, 2024
- Final Reading (Council): December 17, 2024 — Status shown as Final Reading, CC

Note: The full bill text was not provided. The summary below reflects the bill title and procedural record; where specific statutory language is unknown, likely or typical provisions for legislation with this subject are described and identified as such.

Purpose and intent
- The bill’s stated objective (from its title) is to strengthen how the District of Columbia responds to mental health crises and to revise hospitalization-related procedures and authorities. The overall intent is to improve access to timely, appropriate crisis care while addressing how and when hospitalization occurs.

Key provisions (based on title and common legislative approaches)
Because the actual bill text is not included here, the following are the principal types of changes this act is likely to address. For exact provisions, consult the bill text or committee report.

  • Crisis response expansion: Authorize or fund expanded community‑based/mobile crisis teams, 24/7 crisis lines (e.g., integration with 988), and alternatives to emergency department (ED) use.
  • Hospitalization criteria and process: Clarify or amend standards and procedures for voluntary and involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, detention timelines, and patient rights during evaluation and admission.
  • Law enforcement and first‑responder roles: Define or limit when police may transport or detain people in crisis and promote co‑response or non‑police crisis teams.
  • Care coordination and diversion: Create pathways for diversion from criminal justice settings to treatment and require coordination among hospitals, community providers, and social services.
  • Training and oversight: Mandate specialized training for first responders, hospital staff, and crisis teams and require data collection, reporting, or oversight mechanisms to monitor outcomes.
  • Funding and capacity: Authorize budget allocations, reimbursement changes, or grants to build crisis infrastructure and inpatient/outpatient capacity.

Who would be affected
- Individuals experiencing mental health crises and their families (access to care, rights regarding hospitalization)
- Hospitals, emergency departments, and behavioral health providers (admissions, reporting, coordination)
- Mobile crisis teams, community behavioral health organizations, and first responders (roles, training, resources)
- District government agencies responsible for public health, mental health, and public safety
- Potential fiscal impact on the District budget depending on funding/implementation provisions

Potential impacts
- Improved access to timely crisis care and alternatives to ED/hospitalization if community crisis capacity is increased
- Changes to involuntary hospitalization practice and patient protections, possibly reducing unnecessary institutionalization
- Operational and budgetary effects for hospitals, crisis teams, and the District depending on implementation details

Next steps / where to find details
- For exact statutory changes, funding amounts, timelines, and implementation directives, review the bill text and the Health Committee report (filed 11/20/2024) available from the Council of the District of Columbia or the Office of the Secretary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.