Bill > SB514

This bill establishes a Marcus Alert Evaluation Task Force, which the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is required to convene at least twice a year to assess the effectiveness of the Marcus Alert system, a program designed to provide behavioral health responses to crises and divert individuals to appropriate services. The DBHDS will also have the authority to adjust and update the membership of this task force, and will collaborate with it to produce an annual report detailing the comprehensive crisis system's performance, including data on Marcus alert programs, crisis calls, mobile crisis responses, law enforcement involvement, incident outcomes, and any disparities in response based on race or ethnicity, with recommendations for improvement. This initiative is a recommendation from the Behavioral Health Commission and aims to enhance the state's crisis response services for individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse, or developmental challenges.

Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB514