Mental Health Emergency Responder Act
Summary
The Mental Health Emergency Responder Act aims to establish a grant program to support eligible entities in developing or expanding behavioral health crisis response programs that do not primarily rely on law enforcement. The program is to be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. It authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Eligible entities include local and Tribal governments, regional emergency medical services agencies or fire departments, certified community behavioral health clinics, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with a local government or health authority. The Act prioritizes applications from jurisdictions without existing non-law enforcement behavioral health crisis response programs or with limited programs.
The Act emphasizes community feedback and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and effectiveness of the grant program.
Expected Effects
This act could shift the response to mental health crises away from law enforcement and towards healthcare professionals. This could lead to better outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. Additionally, it could reduce the burden on law enforcement and free up resources for other public safety needs.
It may also lead to increased funding for mental health services and training for behavioral health professionals. The act also promotes collaboration between different agencies and organizations involved in crisis response.
Potential Benefits
- Improved responses to mental health crises by utilizing trained behavioral health professionals.
- Reduced involvement of law enforcement in mental health emergencies, potentially decreasing the risk of escalation or harm.
- Increased access to mental health services through the expansion of crisis response programs.
- Enhanced community education and outreach regarding alternatives to police-led crisis response.
- Better data collection and reporting on response outcomes, diversion rates, and community feedback.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for slower response times in certain emergencies if law enforcement is not immediately involved.
- Possible challenges in coordinating between different agencies and organizations.
- Risk of insufficient funding to fully implement and sustain the grant program.
- Concerns about the safety of behavioral health professionals in high-risk situations.
- Dependence on state and local laws to permit emergency medical services agencies to accept custody of civilians from police.
Constitutional Alignment
The Mental Health Emergency Responder Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public health and safety by providing resources for mental health crisis response programs. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill respects that by not requiring any state or local government to modify an emergency detention or custody law, or to authorize any entity to engage in emergency detention or involuntary transport beyond what is permitted under an applicable State law.
Furthermore, the Act does not infringe upon individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. The emphasis on community feedback and reporting requirements also promotes transparency and accountability, aligning with principles of good governance.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).