"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Impact
The legislation requires the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services to coordinate statewide mental health services and ensure that an adequate number of certified mental health professionals are available. This means that there will be increased training and support for professionals to meet the needs of clients who may have diverse communication strategies. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the need for adequate funding and strategies that may include the use of telemedicine to provide access to services, especially in areas where certified professionals are scarce.
Summary
Assembly Bill 946, known as the 'Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act,' aims to improve access to mental health services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill recognizes this population as underserved, facing unique communication challenges that lead to higher risks for mental health issues compared to hearing individuals. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a linguistically appropriate and culturally affirmative manner, ensuring that clients can communicate in their preferred language or method, which may include sign language or other communication forms.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding the bill may include discussions on the definition of culturally affirmative mental health services and the implementation of this legislation across various geographic locations. Stakeholders might express concerns over whether sufficient resources are allocated to train and certify professionals who can effectively meet the needs of deaf or hard of hearing clients, and whether telemedicine can fully encompass the nuances of providing mental health services in a linguistically appropriate manner. Overall, there is a recognition that fulfilling these requirements will require comprehensive planning and commitment from multiple agencies.
Carry Over
"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.