State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) has introduced Senate Bill 2 legislation which aims to improve the system by which the mental competency of those charged with misdemeanor, non-violent offenses is determined.
Gov. Mike DeWine promoted the reform of Ohio’s competency restoration procedure back in the summer of 2019 after the mass shooting in Dayton. There were concerns at that point because the accused shooter was believed to have untreated mental health issues.
But the state’s psychiatric hospitals are overcrowded with many beds occupied by those facing misdemeanor charges.
“State psychiatric hospitals are the only facilities equipped to treat people with the most serious mental illnesses, and SB 2 will help ensure those beds are available to those with the greatest need,” stated Gavarone in a press release from her office.
The bill would expand the treatment options for those facing lesser charges, freeing up beds for those with more serious issues. According to the press release: “Senate Bill 2 would change the way competency evaluation and restoration is done in Ohio for non-violent misdemeanor offenders, with a focus on connecting people to treatment, ending the revolving door through the court system, and freeing up state psychiatric hospital beds, which are in critically short supply.”
The legislation will also enact ‘PSYPACT’, a multi-state cooperative agreement that seeks to address increased demand for psychological services.
The bill would authorize tele-psychology and temporarily allow in-person psychology across states that have adopted PSYPACT. The legislation would increase patient access to care and facilitate continuity of care when a patient relocates or is traveling. Additionally, the PSYPACT permits psychologists to provide services to populations that are underserved or geographically isolated.
Senate Bill 2 will now be referred to a Senate standing committee.
