HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2524

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

PROPOSED

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to increase awareness and knowledge of, and promote education on, mental health problems by requiring public safety personnel in the district and family courts whose duties include proceedings for restraining or protective orders to receive an eight-hour training on mental health first aid triennially.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353C-     Mental health first aid training.  (a)  The department shall establish a mental health first aid training program for public safety personnel in the district and family courts whose duties include proceedings for restraining or protective orders.  The program shall include a mandatory eight-hour interactive training course triennially that teaches the skills necessary to assist a person who is developing or has developed a mental health disorder or mental health crisis, and to de-escalate crisis situations as needed.

     (b)  The mandatory interactive training shall instruct personnel to, at minimum:

     (1)  Identify signs of mental health crises, illness, and instability;

     (2)  Identify signs of behavioral and psychological patterns of mental health disorders;

     (3)  Provide initial assistance to persons with mental health disorders or mental health crises;

     (4)  Guide individuals requiring assistance toward appropriate professional help;

     (5)  Provide comfort to persons experiencing mental health disorders or mental health crises;

     (6)  Assist in preventing a mental health disorder from deteriorating into a more serious condition that may lead to more costly interventions and treatments;

     (7)  Provide information on and referral to outreach workers who are trained to assist persons with mental health disorders and mental health crises; and

     (8)  Promote healing, recovery, and good mental health."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.



 

Report Title:

PSD; Mental Health First Aid Training; Mental Health Disorders; Mental Health Crises

 

Description:

Requires PSD to establish a mental health first aid training program that provides mandatory eight-hour sessions triennially for public safety personnel in the district and family courts whose duties include proceedings for restraining or protective orders.  (Proposed HD1)

 

 

 

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