Report Title:

Intervention for substance abuse.

 

Description:

Establishes a pilot program for screening, brief intervention, and referral to substance abuse treatment.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1395

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO INTERVENTION FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  This Act shall be known as the "Providing Intervention for Substance Abuse Act."

     SECTION 2.  Medical personnel, particularly in emergency rooms and trauma centers, regularly encounter patients who have sustained injuries, loss, or trauma resulting from the use of alcohol or other drugs.  This initial point of contact in a medical setting is a recognized window of opportunity where patients are most vulnerable and open to intervention and dialogue that address their underlying alcohol or illegal drug issues.  It is at this "teachable moment" that individuals can benefit from an assessment, education, counseling, or, if necessary, referral to treatment.

     The "screening, brief intervention, referral and treatment" program capitalizes on this "teachable moment" in medical settings by offering screening, brief intervention, education, and, if necessary, referrals to appropriate care or treatment for individuals at risk for, or diagnosed with, alcohol and other substance use disorders.

     This evidence-based, cost-effective program is recognized as a best practice model by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.  Successful screening, brief intervention, referral, and treatment programs have been implemented and are ongoing in other states, including California, Alaska, Illinois, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington.  Evidence from existing screening, brief intervention, referral, and treatment programs conducted in medical settings has shown dramatic reductions in alcohol and other drug use among patients receiving services.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish a pilot program for screening, brief intervention, and referral to substance abuse treatment in the State of Hawaii.

     SECTION 3.  There is established a pilot program for screening, brief intervention and referral to substance abuse treatment, which shall be sited at the emergency department of a major urban medical facility in Honolulu.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,333,513, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009, to implement the pilot program for screening, brief intervention, and referral to substance abuse treatment.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii, through its John A. Burns School of Medicine, for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

BY REQUEST