AuthoR: Doctor Martha Tanner

Here is our interpretation of the proposed changes to the commitment laws.

1. We already have “danger to self or others” and “gravely disabled.” But it has always referred strictly to the person’s present condition. It is now extended to expected future condition if he/she doesn’t get treatment. As it is stated “A substantial risk that, the proposed patient is so impaired that he lacks insight into his need for treatment and is unable or unwilling to comply with treatment and that unless treated he will continue to physically, emotionally, or mentally deteriorate to the point that the person will in the reasonably near future become a person…” (who is a danger to self or others or gravely disabled). 
    
   What this means is that the person does not have to actually get dangerous before it is obvious, that on the present course without effective treatment, he will become dangerous and, therefore, will need to be committed involuntarily. 
    
   2) We already have an outpatient commitment law, but with this law, if the patient was not in compliance with treatment, only the person who originally petitioned for commitment 
   could again petition for a 72 hour hold to try to determine if committable by the usual standards. 
   This original law was ineffective because it 
   required the whole commitment process over again if the patient did not comply with out patient commitment. Now the director of the outpatient treatment facility, the physician, or Department of Health & Welfare can have the patient transported to a designated out-patient treatment facility in order to gain compliance.  If after reasonable attempts the patient continues to fail to adhere to terms of outpatient commitment or if treatment is not effective, then Health and Welfare can have the patient transported to inpatient treatment.   They would then have 48 hours to notify the Court and significant others of this change.  The Court would have 24 hours to determine if the change to in patient commitment is justified, and, if so, 24 more hours to issue an order to show cause to the patient, his attorney, and significant other.  The court has 15 days to rule on the show cause order. 
    
   What this means is that now it is easier to get the committed person into in patient treatment, if for whatever reason the out patient treatment has not been effective and the patient remains involuntary and at risk of becoming  a danger to self or others or gravely disabled without inpatient treatment. 
    
     3) There is also to be a procedure for holding the original commitment in abeyance up to 30 days by agreement of all parties to allow time for voluntary treatment. 
    
   What this means is that the Court can delay 
   ruling on commitment up to 30 days while
2. 
   voluntary treatment is being provided to see if this will be effective without involuntary commitment.                                           

                                                                  

NAMI IDAHO SUPPORTS 

PREZ KORNER

NAMI IDAHO has been very active this past quarter.  With the able assistance of members from the Board and affiliates, as well as funding from National, regional membership training sessions were held in Coeur d' Alene and Boise.  The programs were well received as members shared ideas for growth and retention.

 

The state legislature sub-committees have been busy holding meetings in preparation for the up coming session in January.  NAMI members have been attending the hearings and often offering insight to the committee regarding mental illness.  The need for additional beds and secure medical facility is a major concern.  Various possible remedies are being debated such as:  Public vs. Privately built hospitals:  build additional facilities on state owned land in Nampa and /or Blackfoot: contract with existing hospitals; placement of the mentally ill in prison or county jails: and the discussions continue.  Dr. Martha Tanner (Idaho Falls affiliate) has written to legislators and a copy of her letter appears elsewhere in this newsletter.  We hope the legislature can resolve this issue this session.

 

The Department of Corrections (DOC) under the leadership of Director Reinke and Dr. Perrien, Chief, Division of Education and Treatment have requested NAMI IDAHO to assist in the training of DOC staff that in working with the mentally ill for a new program to be implemented in the prisons.  The Tanners along with Kenny Myers (Southeast Idaho affiliate) and Doug Call from (Idaho Falls) will do the presenting, and are all members of NAMI Idaho Board of Directors.

 

The Decriminalization Committee of the Board recently met with Chief Miller of the Pocatello Police Department to discuss Crises Intervention Training (CIT).  The group was well received and the Chief welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the program.

 

Keep on Advocating!!! 

HARRY HOLMBERG                             
 

 

 

PREZ KORNER

 

NAMI IDAHO has been very active this past quarter.  With the able assistance of members from the Board and affiliates, as well as funding from National, regional membership training sessions were held in Coeur d' Alene and Boise.  The programs were well received as members shared ideas for growth and retention.

 

The state legislature sub-committees have been busy holding meetings in preparation for the up coming session in January.  NAMI members have been attending the hearings and often offering insight to the committee regarding mental illness.  The need for additional beds and a secure medical facility is a major concern.  Various possible remedies are being debated such as:  Public vs. Privately built hospitals:  build additional facilities on state owned land in Nampa and /or Blackfoot: contract with existing hospitals; placement of the mentally ill in prison or county jails: and the discussions continue.  Dr. Martha Tanner (Idaho Falls affiliate) has written to legislators and a copy of her letter appears elsewhere in this newsletter.  We hope the legislature can resolve this issue this session.

 

The Department of Corrections (DOC) under the leadership of Director Reinke and Dr. Perrien, Chief, Division of Education and Treatment have requested NAMI IDAHO to assist in the training of DOC staff that in working with the mentally ill for a new program to be implemented in the prisons.  The Tanners along with Kenny Myers (Southeast Idaho affiliate) and Doug Call from (Idaho Falls) will do the presenting, and are all members of NAMI Idaho Board of Directors.

 

The Decriminalization Committee of the Board recently met with Chief Miller of the Pocatello Police Department to discuss Crises Intervention Training (CIT).  The group was well received and the Chief welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the program.

 

Keep on Advocating!!! 

HARRY HOLMBERG