Committee considers incentive-based plan to curb competency restoration backlog in Trueblood case

The Law & Justice Committee on March 27 heard extensive testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1218, legislation intended to reduce growth in competency restoration orders tied to the longstanding Trueblood court litigation.

The bill would: require clearer consideration of whether diversion or outpatient options exist before ordering inpatient restoration; expand the role and duties of forensic navigators; create an incentive and baseline system administered by DSHS that allows counties and cities that reduce inpatient referrals below baseline to request appropriations from a newly created behavioral health diversion fund; and establish procedures enabling transfer from inpatient to outpatient restoration in appropriate cases.

Sponsor and agency perspective

Representative Daria Farvar (prime sponsor) said the bill shifts some emphasis to local-state collaboration and seeks to reduce repeat cycling through the restoration system. DSHS witnesses—including…