HBA-DMH S.B. 581 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 581
By: Duncan
Public Health
4/23/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, eight state mental hospitals serve the entire state. Preparing
and conducting court ordered mental health hearings regarding hospital
patients requires effort and funds from the county in which the hospital is
located. Usually, that county is reimbursed by the county of residence of
the patient for statutory and document preparation fees. Senate Bill 581
codifies this practice by authorizing the county in which the state
hospital is located to charge the patient's county of residence for certain
costs associated with metal health proceedings.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 581 amends the Health and Safety Code to authorize a county in
which a state mental hospital is located to charge the county of residence
of a patient or proposed patient for costs incurred in the preparation of
documents related to mental health proceedings for the patient or proposed
patient in connection with treatment at the state mental hospital. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.