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Committee approves SJ37 to survey behavioral health capacity, including bed counts
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 37, an interim survey of behavioral health services — including emergency detention and crisis stabilization beds, provider availability and barriers — passed the House Human Services Committee after proponents urged data-driven planning and an opponent advocated for peer-run, noncoercive alternatives.
Senate Joint Resolution 37, proposed as an interim survey of behavioral health services across Montana, passed the House Human Services Committee by roll call.
Senator Lentz said the study would quantify emergency detention beds, short-term crisis stabilization, long-term voluntary psychiatric treatment beds and provider capacity, and would explore barriers to access and opportunities to increase capacity. He referenced prior work by an interim commission and said new facilities and community needs should be quantified.
Jean Branscum, CEO of the Montana Medical Association, supported the study and urged data collection on workforce distribution and telemedicine parity; she noted a recent insurer announcement affecting telemedicine reimbursement. Steven Pearce, director of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, opposed the proposal in part and urged emphasis on peer counseling and nonpharmacological alternatives.
Megan Peel, administrator for the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division, appeared as an informational witness. In executive action, the committee voted 18–3 in favor of concurrence and named Representative Nelson as carrier for the study.
