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Current Status Bill Number:View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.705 Type of Legislation:Concurrent Resolution CR Introducing Body:Senate Introduced Date:20010523 Primary Sponsor:Branton All Sponsors:Branton and Hawkins Drafted Document Number:l:\council\bills\dka\4507mm01.doc Residing Body:Senate Current Committee:Judiciary Committee 11 SJ Subject:Mental Health Department to suspend release or discharge of dangerous patients until SLED investigates; Medical History Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved ______ ________ ______________________________________ _______ ____________ Senate 20010523 Introduced, referred to Committee 11 SJ Versions of This Bill
TO REQUEST THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO SUSPEND ITS RELEASE OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PATIENTS FOR NINETY DAYS OR UNTIL THE INVESTIGATION BY THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION INTO THE DEPARTMENT'S DISCHARGE POLICY IS COMPLETE, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
Whereas, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health is charged with the care and protection of the state's mentally ill, as well as its other citizens; and
Whereas, an integral part of the department's treatment and rehabilitation process involves the return of patients into their families and communities and productive lives; and
Whereas, that mission requires careful screening of patients to realistically assess their risks for harming themselves or others; and
Whereas, the department allegedly has circumvented or curtailed the discharge procedures to facilitate releases in the face of severe budget cuts; and
Whereas, the State Law Enforcement Division is currently investigating the allegation that potentially dangerous patients have been discharged ill advisedly; and
Whereas, the General Assembly of this State requires assurance that the agency's discharge process thoughtfully balances recovery and safety goals. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly request the South Carolina Department of Mental Health to suspend its release of potentially dangerous patients for ninety days or until the investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division into the department's discharge policy is complete, whichever comes first.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.
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