(1) It is the intent of the
legislature to improve the quality of service at state hospitals,
eliminate overcrowding, and more specifically define the role of
the state hospitals. The legislature intends that eastern and
western state hospitals shall become clinical centers for
handling the most complicated long-term care needs of patients
with a primary diagnosis of mental disorder. To this end, the
legislature intends that funds appropriated for mental health
programs, including funds for regional support networks and the
state hospitals be used for persons with primary diagnosis of
mental disorder. The legislature finds that establishment of the
eastern state hospital board, the western state hospital board,
and institutes for the study and treatment of mental disorders at
both eastern state hospital and western state hospital will be
instrumental in implementing the legislative intent.
(2)(a) The eastern state hospital board and the western
state hospital board are each established. Members of the boards
shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the
senate. Each board shall include:
(i) The director of the institute for the study and
treatment of mental disorders established at the hospital;
(ii) One family member of a current or recent hospital
resident;
(iii) One consumer of services;
(iv) One community mental health service provider;
(v) Two citizens with no financial or professional interest
in mental health services;
(vi) One representative of the regional support network in
which the hospital is located;
(vii) One representative from the staff who is a physician;
(viii) One representative from the nursing staff;
(ix) One representative from the other professional staff;
(x) One representative from the nonprofessional staff; and
(xi) One representative of a minority community.
(b) At least one representative listed in (a)(viii), (ix),
or (x) of this subsection shall be a union member.
(c) Members shall serve four-year terms. Members of the
board shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 and shall receive compensation as
provided in RCW 43.03.240.
(3) The boards established under this section shall:
(a) Monitor the operation and activities of the hospital;
(b) Review and advise on the hospital budget;
(c) Make recommendations to the governor and the legislature
for improving the quality of service provided by the hospital;
(d) Monitor and review the activities of the hospital in
implementing the intent of the legislature set forth in this
section; and
(e) Consult with the secretary regarding persons the
secretary may select as the superintendent of the hospital
whenever a vacancy occurs.
(4)(a) There is established at eastern state hospital and
western state hospital, institutes for the study and treatment of
mental disorders. The institutes shall be operated by joint
operating agreements between state colleges and universities and
the department of social and health services. The institutes are
intended to conduct training, research, and clinical program
development activities that will directly benefit mentally ill persons receiving treatment in Washington state by
performing the following activities:
(i) Promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified
professionals at the state hospitals and community mental health
programs;
(ii) Improve clinical care by exploring new, innovative, and
scientifically based treatment models for persons presenting
particularly difficult and complicated clinical syndromes;
(iii) Provide expanded training opportunities for existing
staff at the state hospitals and community mental health
programs;
(iv) Promote bilateral understanding of treatment
orientation, possibilities, and challenges between state hospital
professionals and community mental health professionals.
(b) To accomplish these purposes the institutes may, within
funds appropriated for this purpose:
(i) Enter joint operating agreements with state universities
or other institutions of higher education to accomplish the
placement and training of students and faculty in psychiatry,
psychology, social work, occupational therapy, nursing, and other
relevant professions at the state hospitals and community mental
health programs;
(ii) Design and implement clinical research projects to
improve the quality and effectiveness of state hospital services
and operations;
(iii) Enter into agreements with community mental health
service providers to accomplish the exchange of professional
staff between the state hospitals and community mental health
service providers;
(iv) Establish a student loan forgiveness and conditional
scholarship program to retain qualified professionals at the
state hospitals and community mental health providers when the
secretary has determined a shortage of such professionals exists.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the
contrary, the institutes may enter into agreements with the
department or the state hospitals which may involve changes in
staffing necessary to implement improved patient care programs
contemplated by this section.
(d) The institutes are authorized to seek and accept public
or private gifts, grants, contracts, or donations to accomplish
their purposes under this section.
[2006 c 333 § 204; 1998 c 245 § 141; 1992 c 230 § 1; 1989 c 205 § 21.]
NOTES:
Finding -- Purpose -- Intent -- Severability -- Part headings not law -- Effective dates -- 2006 c 333: See notes following RCW 71.24.016.
Intent -- 1992 c 230: "It is the intent of this act to:
(1) Focus, restate, and emphasize the legislature's
commitment to the mental health reform embodied in chapter 111
[205], Laws of 1989 (SB 5400);
(2) Eliminate, or schedule for repeal, statutes that are no
longer relevant to the regulation of the state's mental health
program; and
(3) Reaffirm the state's commitment to provide incentives
that reduce reliance on inappropriate state hospital or other
inpatient care." [1992 c 230 § 3.]
Evaluation of transition to regional systems -- 1989 c 205: See note following RCW 71.24.015.