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DSHS Status Report Implementation of 2012 JLARC Recommendations – Involuntary Treatment Judicial Costs. John Bowden , JLARC Staff. Involuntary Treatment Act Background.
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DSHS Status Report Implementation of 2012 JLARC Recommendations – Involuntary Treatment Judicial Costs John Bowden, JLARC Staff
Involuntary Treatment Act Background • The Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) allows for the civil commitment of individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others. • There are 13 counties with Evaluation and Treatment (E&T) facilities where individuals from across the state might be sent. • Once at an E&T, if a civil commitment is deemed necessary, the county incurs judicial costs. • The Legislature created a process for Regional Support Networks (RSNs) to reimburse counties using case rate based on each county’s actual judicial costs, effective July 2012. Involuntary Treatment Judicial Costs Report Pages 3-5
Legislature Directed JLARC to Conduct a Study of County ITA Judicial Costs • JLARC issued report on Involuntary Treatment Judicial Costs in July 2012. • Because initial reimbursement rates were needed immediately, JLARC staff provided the best possible average case cost estimates for each county. • JLARC staff found that: • Actual cost data were largely unavailable; and • Types and levels of reported expenditures varied. • Estimated costs ranged from $282 per case in Skagit County to $1,124 per case in Pierce County. Involuntary Treatment Judicial Costs Report Pages 11-17
RSNs Are Paying Different Rates Depending on Availability of E&T Beds ITA hearing held for Lewis County resident in: Timberlands RSN billed: Yakima County $450 Pierce County $1,124 Source: JLARC analysis RCW 71.05.730. Involuntary Treatment Judicial Costs Report Page 12
JLARC Report Identified Issues Needing to Be Addressed for Future Rate Setting • JLARC staff recommended that DSHS develop a plan and timeline for implementing the ITA judicial cost reimbursement process, in order to be in compliance with statute, and report to the Legislature on: • What types of costs should be allowed; and • How actual costs might be collected. • DSHS staff are here to report on the status of the ITA judicial cost reimbursement process. Involuntary Treatment Judicial Costs Report Pages 19-20