Committee backs resolution urging health-care settings to include 988 crisis hotline messaging

The Committee on Public and Community Health voted to approve House Resolution 713, a nonbinding resolution encouraging health-care providers to include language directing people in mental-health crises to call 988. Representative Wade introduced the measure as an "encouragement, not a mandate," saying it supplements existing 911 messaging in medical offices and helps callers distinguish emergency responses.

The resolution, presented as LC 11233360 by Representative Wade, urges providers that already advise patients to call 911 in emergencies to add a parallel message for mental-health crises such as: "Are you in crisis? Do you need assistance? Please call 988." Wade said the governor's office and the first lady support the outreach and that the measure is intended to reinforce ongoing statewide promotion.

Representative Cannon asked whether the department could publicize 988 without a resolution and whether state appropriations had already funded publicity efforts; Representative Wade replied he did not have the appropriation figure on hand and described the resolution as complementary to both state and private outreach (for example, messages played on hold at doctors' offices).

A committee member moved to "do pass," the motion was seconded and the committee approved HR 713 by voice vote. The record does not include a roll-call tally; the chair announced "the ayes have it." The resolution is nonbinding and directs outreach and awareness rather than imposing regulatory requirements.

The committee then moved on to the scheduled presentations on Alzheimer's research and other bills.