In observance of Memorial Day, I attended the Memorial Day Parade to remember all of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and this country. God Bless America.
Relating to: approval of emergency detention after evaluation of certain medical conditions.
This bill specifies that a county department's approval of an emergency detention of an individual must occur after an individual who is in a hospital emergency room is medically cleared for transport. Current law establishes a procedure for emergency detention of an individual who is believed to be mentally ill, drug dependent, or developmentally disabled and who demonstrates a substantial probability of physical harm to himself or herself or others or impairment or injury to himself or herself due to impaired judgment, or inability to satisfy certain basic needs due to mental illness. The applicable county department must approve the need for detention, which the county department may do only if a crisis assessment has been performed by a mental health professional and the mental health professional agrees with the need for the detention and if the county department reasonably believes the individual will not voluntarily consent to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Transportation of the individual to a facility specified in current law for emergency detention occurs only after the county department approves, however, transportation of an individual who is in a hospital's emergency department may not occur until hospital staff who is treating the individual determines that the transfer is medically appropriate and has communicated that determination to the person transporting the individual.
Currently, in Milwaukee County, the treatment director of a facility has 24 hours from the time the individual is delivered to the facility to determine whether or not the individual must be detained for purposes of emergency detention. Once the treatment director makes a determination that an individual is being detained, the individual may not be detained for longer than 72 hours without a court hearing. The 24-hour period in which the treatment director must make the determination may be extended by any period that the determination is delayed that is directly attributable to evaluation or stabilizing treatment of nonpsychiatric medical conditions. Currently, in counties other than Milwaukee County, there is no 24-hour period for determination by a treatment director, and the 72-hour period during which the individual may be held without a hearing begins when the individual is taken into custody by law enforcement or another authorized person and continues upon transfer of the individual to the treatment facility.
This bill has been a work in progress with input from myriads of experts to ensure we protect everyone's rights and find a solid bipartisan change.
Last week, Sen. Jacque, Rep. James, Rep. Sortwell, Rep. Bowen, and I met to discuss this bill, had a great discussion and found common ground to help move this bill forward. Our meeting also included:
WI State Public Defenders
WI Disability Rights
Milwaukee County Corporation Counsel
WI Counties Association
A big thanks for all those who came together for the greater good of Wisconsinites.
Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy
Today we had an informational hearing with speakers from Beyond Vision. Beyond Vision is one of two WI organizations with the sole mission of providing meaningful and sustainable employment for people who are blind. Jim Kerlin, the President & CEO, and employees: Jeff, Mary, Steve, Isreal, & Rob presented valuable information. The group shared a video about Beyond Vision and their personal stories and explained what a significant role Beyond Vision plays in their lives.
Committee members with Beyond Vision presenters
Spring Survey
Please take a few minutes and fill out my spring survey if you have not received it in the mail or if you simply prefer the online version. Thanks to those who have already returned the hard copy or submitted it online.
As the legislature is working on the budget , it is important to me to relay your opinions to my colleagues. I would greatly appreciate your feedback.
Bon Voyage! The Crane Departs
The crane shown above designed by Konecranes was built in partnership with Broadwind. This crane's ultimate customer is the Navy and will support their nuclear submarine fleet. To put in perspective its' insane size and strength, this crane will lift as much as 140 tons and weigh more than 2,700,000 pounds when fully assembled. It is on its way to a naval base on the East Coast via Lake Michigan/Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Mental Health Matters!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
As many of you may are aware, I serve as the chairman of the Assembly Committee on Mental Health. It is imperative to note the important work my committee is doing. It is an honor to chair the committee as prioritizing ways to improve mental health for Wisconsinites is of paramount importance.
Remember to take time out of your busy life to focus on your mental health and be sure to also check on your loved ones- this month and every month. Mental health is just as important as physical health. 1 in every 5 people will experience a mental illness.
As a reminder, we encourage you to follow the representative on social media, including Facebook, and Twitter, for all of the up-to-date information on important issues. His legislative website can be found at: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/25/tittl.
If you have any comments regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
Rep. Paul Tittl State Capitol, Room 219N PO Box 8953 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 529-0025 or (608) 266-0315 Rep.Tittl@legis.wi.gov| |
