HB 1783 Prisoners; mental health screening upon admission to a local correctional facility

About HB-1783

Mental health screening of prisoners in local correctional facilities. Requires that the staff of a local, regional, or community correctional facility screen persons admitted to the facility for mental illness using a scientifically validated instrument identified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services in consultation with the State Board of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The bill also requires that these entities develop and deliver a training program for employees of such facilities in the administration of such instrument. The bill provides that if the screening indicates that a person may have a mental illness, an assessment of his need for mental services shall be conducted within 72 hours of the time of the screening by a qualified mental health professional.