Senator Fimbola presented Senate Bill 8 19, a measure requiring health-care providers to consider outpatient treatment for individuals discharged from inpatient care who are under an emergency custody order (ECO) or a temporary detention order (TDO). The sponsor described the requirement as non-mandatory: providers must consider outpatient options as part of discharge planning but are not required to direct treatment.

Fimbola said the bill grew from work on the Behavioral Health Commission and is intended to strengthen the continuum of care to reduce repeat ECOs or TDOs. He and the committee said there is no fiscal impact reported on the bill.

No members of the public registered opposition; the subcommittee moved to report the bill, which was recorded as reporting to the next committee by a vote of 8 to 0.

The bill will proceed to appropriations as required.